Holyrood Abbey

The ruined Augustinian abbey that is sited in the grounds was founded in 1128 at the order of King David I of Scotland. Holyrood Abbey has been the site of many royal coronations and marriage ceremonies, and a number of Kings of Scots and other Scottish royalty are buried there. The roof of the abbey collapsed in 1768, leaving it as it currently stands.

The abbey was adapted as a chapel for the Order of the Thistle by King James VII in 1687-88, but was subsequently destroyed by a mob. In 1691 the Kirk of the Canongate replaced the abbey as the local parish church, and it is at the Kirk of the Canongate that the Queen today attends services when in residence at Holyrood Palace. Queen Elizabeth II spends one week in residence at Holyrood Palace at the beginning of each summer, where she carries out a range of official engagements and ceremonies.

The palace is open to the public throughout the year, except when members of the Royal Family are in residence.
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