Scheduled MonumentsScotlandHolyrood Abbey, precinct and associated remains
Precinct and associated remains

Holyrood Abbey, precinct and associated remains

Scotland
HES SM13031
Site type
Precinct and associated remains
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Holyrood Abbey is a Augustinian monastery founded in 1128 by King David I of Scotland in the Canongate area of Edinburgh, Midlothian. The abbey became one of Scotland's most important religious houses and a royal mausoleum, with its precinct encompassing substantial buildings including the abbey church, claustral ranges, and associated structures. The surviving remains, largely from the twelfth to sixteenth centuries, include parts of the abbey church with notable architectural features such as Early Gothic work and decorative stonework. Following the Scottish Reformation, the site fell into disrepair, though portions of the precinct and ruins remain visible and have been subject to periodic archaeological investigation and conservation.

Holyrood Abbey, precinct and associated remains is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM13031. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Holyrood Abbey, precinct and associated remains?

Holyrood Abbey is a Augustinian monastery founded in 1128 by King David I of Scotland in the Canongate area of Edinburgh, Midlothian. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM13031.

Who is responsible for protecting Holyrood Abbey, precinct and associated remains?

Holyrood Abbey, precinct and associated remains is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM13031.

What other scheduled monuments are near Holyrood Abbey, precinct and associated remains?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Galachlaw,cairn (5.8 km), Melville Grange,homestead and pit alignments 600m ESE of (7.5 km), Caerketton Hill,fort (8 km).

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