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The first palace
Because Edinburgh castle sits on a craggy peak, the Stuart dynasty was unable to expand its fortress into a palace. Instead, they appropriated the much more comfortable and convivial monastery. They began by occupying the monastic guesthouse, but gradually displaced the monks and took over the whole complex. There was no formal palace on the site until the 15th century, when James IV built one.
Much of the original palace lies under the modern palace, which was originally built by Charles II. But several ranges, probably the kitchens and domestic quarters, appear to lie to the south.
Because Edinburgh castle sits on a craggy peak, the Stuart dynasty was unable to expand its fortress into a palace. Instead, they appropriated the much more comfortable and convivial monastery. They began by occupying the monastic guesthouse, but gradually displaced the monks and took over the whole complex. There was no formal palace on the site until the 15th century, when James IV built one.
Much of the original palace lies under the modern palace, which was originally built by Charles II. But several ranges, probably the kitchens and domestic quarters, appear to lie to the south.
