The Abbey Strand Book Club
In the Abbey Strand Book Club, explore spaces and objects which have shaped history and inspired fiction.
About The Abbey Strand Book Club
From Jacobite stories to embroidered biographies, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and its many chapters of history have provided the inspiration for many literary works over the centuries. In the Abbey Strand Book Club, explore spaces and objects which have shaped history and inspired fiction. Please note, texts are not included in the ticket price, and should be purchased to read beforehand.
2 March - Waverley, Walter Scott
In our first Abbey Strand book club session, explore Walter Scott's novel Waverley, and discover the history and spaces in the Palace that provided inspiration for Scott.
1 June - The Fair Botanists, Sarah Sheridan
Explore the space and stories of the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, before turning attention to a recent novel inspired by gardens of Enlightenment Edinburgh.
7 September - Macbeth, William Shakespeare
A portrait of Macbeth hangs in the Great Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In this same room hangs a portrait of James VI and I. Explore the connection between the king and the bard, and delve into an interest which they had a common interest- witchcraft.
7 December - Embroidering Her Truth, Clare Hunter
Perhaps one of the most famous residents to make the Palace of Holyroodhouse her home was Mary, Queen Of Scots. Explore Mary's chambers and objects connected with the monarch, including an exquisite embroidery made during the last years of her life.
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Other Events at The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described
Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography
This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, charts the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day!
READ MOREPalace Page Turners
Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions will explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!
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Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks
Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!
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Guided Touch Tour: Palace of Holyroodhouse
Join Audio Describer Fiona Johnston for a special opportunity for visually impaired and blind visitors to engage with selected features, and handle replica object in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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Monday Makes
This summer, join us at The Palace of Holyroodhouse every Monday in the Great Gallery to make your very own trinket box to take home.
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Physic Garden: Flower Arranging
Join florist and Royal Warrant holder Lottie Longman on 24th July to explore the flowers of the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, then create your own bouquet to take home.
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Costume at court: Family dressing up
Discover some of the past fashions of the Palace with our costume at court drop-in sessions and take part in our dressing up activity!
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Family Physic Garden Tours
Join us in the Physic Garden this summer for free family history tours designed specially for children!
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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography - BSL Tour
Enjoy a BSL tour of Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography at The King's Gallery, The Palace of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday 12th August!
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Hugo Burnand: In Conversation
Join us at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on 15th August for an intimate glimpse behind the camera as Royal photographer Hugo Burnand talks to Alessandro Nasini about his career and work.
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Jacobite Activity Day
Join us at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on Saturday 16th August for a fun activity day exploring Jacobite stories and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s visit to the Palace.
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Relaxed Evening: Palace of Holyroodhouse
This relaxed opening on Friday 22nd August, offers a chance to explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse in a calm, tranquil atmosphere!
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Physic Garden: Floral Wreaths
Join florist and Royal Warrant holder Lottie Longman to explore the flowers of the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and create your own fresh wreath!
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance
This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, brings together a wide range of drawings from this revolutionary artistic period, including 45 drawings never exhibited in Scotland before.
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