Holyroodhouse Palace
Queen Mary resided at Holyroodhouse Palace between 1561 and 1567. Her private chambers comprised a bedchamber, a supper room, and an outer chamber; all accessible to visitors in the north-west tower. She married her second husband, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, in 1565 in the palace chapel. On 9 March 1566, Mary’s private secretary, David Rizzio of Turin, was murdered at Lord Darnley’s orders. It is still possible today to see the spot where he laid, bleeding to death.

Did you know?
The name ‘Holyrood’ contains the Old English word ‘ród’ (Scots ‘ruid’), which means ‘pole’ or, here, ‘cross or crucifix.’ It is unknown whether the palace ever housed a relic of the holy cross.

Edinburgh Castle
On 19 June 1566, a year later, Mary gave birth to her son, James VI of Scotland (later also James I of England). Mary was the first monarch to be crowned with the Honours of Scotland, Scotland’s crown jewels, which are still housed at Castle Rock.

Greyfriars Kirkyard
Mary provided the site of Greyfriars Kirkyard, formerly an old Franciscan monastery, after the St. Giles Cathedral graveyard was declared full in 1562. Sir Walter Scott later declared Greyfriars ‘the Westminster Abbey of Scotland.’

Craigmillar Castle
Mary often stayed at Craigmillar Castle with her friends the Preston family. It is thought she planned the murder of her husband Lord Darnley here. The castle is close to the Scot Townhouse.

Kirk o’Field (now Old College)
On 10 February 1567, there was an explosion at the Collegiate Church of St. Mary in the Fields, known as Kirk o’Field, which killed Mary’s second husband Lord Darnley, who was there recuperating from illness. Although Mary was implicated, and perhaps at fault, blame was placed elsewhere.

Linlithgow Palace – beyond Edinburgh
Mary was born in Linlithgow Palace, which is located 15 minutes to the west of Edinburgh by train. See the final chapter of this booklet.