The Palace of Holyroodhouse, in the heart of Edinburgh, has witnessed history first hand, from royal pageantry to rebel claimants holding court, even bloody murder in the dead of night.

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and History Hit have special access to Holyroodhouse to explore its fascinating past. We meet the curators who keep the stories of the palace alive; get up close with its greatest treasures, from royal portraits to intricate jewellery; and walk in the footsteps of both the spectacular and dark events that have happened within these walls.

Suzannah examines the palace’s most intriguing stories, including the murder of Mary Queen of Scots’ secretary by her own husband; Bonnie Prince Charlie setting up court here in 1745 as he led the Jacobite rebellion; George IV’s lavish Scottish themed receptions and the opening of the State Rooms by George V.

Holyroodhouse is still a living palace, the official residence of King Charles III in Scotland.  We walk the rooms, lined with royal portraits, that tell this continuing story.

You can read more about the Palace of Holyroodhouse and how to visit on the Royal Collection Trust’s website: https://www.rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse

Find out more about Deborah Clarke’s excellent book on the history of the palace here: https://www.rct.uk/about/press-office/press-releases/palace-of-holyroodhouses-dramatic-past-revealed-in-first-official