Mary, Queen of Scots only lived in this Palace of Holyroodhouse for half a decade, but it was an eventful time. First, there was the murder of her private secretary (and supposed lover) David Rizzio by her second husband, Lord Darnley. Then came Darnley’s murder, and Mary’s marriage to his alleged killer Lord Bothwell.
This led to an uprising, Mary’s imprisonment and abdication. She then fled south to seek protection from Queen Elizabeth I, who later had her beheaded. Visitors can see Mary’s Bedchamber and the Royal Apartments, as well as the palace gardens and ruined Holyrood Abbey, with a self-guided audio tour.
