A Brief History of Holyrood Abbey
Holyrood Abbey was founded in 1128 by King David I of Scotland, after he was apparently saved from being killed by a wild animal by the miraculous appearance of a shining cross: the Holy Rood. Largely reconstructed between 1195-1230, the original abbey was cruciform in shape, with a choir, nave, transepts and a central tower.
The choir and transepts were demolished following the dissolution of the monastery in the Scottish Reformation of 1560, with only the nave being retained. This part of the church was first adopted as a parish church and then as the Chapel Royal for the palace next door. However, following a mob attack in 1688, the church became increasingly dilapidated. In 1758 it was decided to replace the badly decayed roof trusses with transverse diaphragm arches, on top of which stone flags were laid. This ill-informed "restoration" resulted in an accelerated deformation of the structure, until the church became too unsafe to enter. On 2nd December 1768 the nave and lateral walls collapsed, followed by the north aisle later that day. Restoration proposals have been put forward periodically but no action taken, leaving the abbey in its ruined state to the present day. Sources: Theodossopoulos et al (2003); Gifford et al (1984); Dunbar (1966). |
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All photos are the property of Michael Scott or James Sanderson unless otherwise stated.
© 2013 James Sanderson and Michael Scott | All rights reserved.
School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Edinburgh
© 2013 James Sanderson and Michael Scott | All rights reserved.
School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Edinburgh