On the state of the Abbey Church of Holyrood subsequently to the devastations committed by the English Forces in the years 1544 and 1547

Abstract

David Laing presents a historical account of this church from its founding in 1128 to the proposed visit of Charles I in the 17th century. He includes a series of original letters and Acts of Privy Council from 1626-1641 relating to the alterations and repairs made for this visit. He then briefly outlines the later history of the church that led to its ruined state. Laing concludes by arguing that there is no point in the Society proposing a restoration of the old edifice or the construction of a new one, but that clearing the soil and grass from the original foundations and installing a gravel path around them would allow visitors to view what is left of the site. His proposal that the Society present a Memorial on the subject was accepted by those present and a committee was appointed to draft the Memorial.