The Palace of Holyroodhouse [antikvár]

A SHORT HISTORY OF HOLYROOD-The Foundation of the AbbeyHolyrood, one of the most ancient of the residences still occupied by our royal family, has a close association with the frequently turbulent history of Scotland. King David I (1124-53), the most pious monarch to occupy the throne of Scotland, founded the abbey of Holyrood in 1128. As well as founding many abbeys David re-established several of the bishops' dioceses and started to found a network of parishes across Scotland.The original church probably took its name from a relic granted to it which was thought to be part of Christ's cross ('rood' means cross) and which had earlier belonged to David's mother, St Margaret. The late medieval story that the abbey was founded after an attack on the king by an enraged stag, between whose antlers a cross appeared, was a romantic invention.At Holyrood David introduced a community of Augustinian canons, priests living a form of monastic life based on the teachings of St Augustine of Hippo. The community worshipped in a simple cross-shaped church for about sixty years, when construction of a very much larger church was started. This new abbey church was to be amongst the most magnificent in the kingdom.PBEVious page: The entrance front and forecourt of Holyrood palace showing the elaborate stone fountain built by Robert Matheson in 1859.npam ftutrtop: Holyrood Abbey from the north-east. Founded by King David I in 1128, the abbey look its name from a relic believed lo be a fragment of the Holy Cross.above: Fine 'stiff-leaf'foliage carving in the south aisle of the abbey nave.im:DavidI(lWi-53), Scotland's most pious king, established Holyrood Abbey within one of his favourite hunting grounds.The Later History ofthe AbbeyThe canons of Holyrood presumably continued their life of peaceful religious observance for many years. However, the abbey's geographical position and royal associations made it a natural target in the course of the long wars with England. The wars began towards the end of the thirteenth century when the Scots lost patience with Edward I's interference in their affairs. English attacks in 1322 and 1385 appear to have caused extensive damage. Abbot Crawford (1460-83)found it necessary to add massive flying buttresses to support the splendid stone vaults covering the church many years after the attacks.Of far greater consequence