|
|
Holyrood
and Canongate
 Holyrood
and Canongate: A Thousand Years of History
Originally an adjunct of Holyrood Abbey, itself founded in 1128
by David I after the king had been saved from a 'muckle hart'
by the miraculous appearance of a crucifix, Canongate actually
remained for a long time a separate entity from Edinburgh. This
is the first book to trace the complete history of the Abbey
of Holyrood and its burgh of Canongate from prehistoric times
to the present day, and underlines the mixed fortunes that have
characterised this part of Edinburgh. Both the abbey and the
burgh were built on a narrow strip of land wedged between boggy
ground. This geology and geography would impact on the lives
of the people from the outset until today. By the early sixteenth
century part of the abbey complex had been converted into a
royal palace, and by 1600 a court precinct also existed, extending
into what is now the site of Scotland's new parliament. However,
with the departure of James VI when he inherited the English
throne, and the subsequent Union of Parliaments in 1707, the
area's fortunes declined, leading Allan Ramsay to write: 'O
Canningate! Pooer elritch hole!/What loss, what crosses does
thou thole!' This book is the story of the people above, those
who lived in elegant mansions, including Queensberry House,
now part of the parliament complex. But it is also the story
of the people below, who lived in conditions which were the
worst in Scotland. By 1900 Canongate was a vast industrial zone,
dominated by breweries, glassworks and gas works. Many of its
inhabitants would be relocated in the twentieth century, and
not always willingly. By the end of the century a decision was
made to house Scotland's new parliament in Canongate. A historic
site had been chosen. But with the completion of Enric Miralles'
award-winning building and the Parliament now in session, Patricia
Dennison is led to finish her perceptive and informative study
by pondering how all this will impact on the old burgh as it
faces the twenty-first century.
Return
To Tour Edinburgh
|
|
