The Lost Royal Lodgings of Edinburgh Castle and the Birthplace of Britain

This talk, The Lost Royal Lodgings of Edinburgh Castle 1093 - 1617, and the Birthplace of Great Britain, is the culmination of an almost 40-year involvement in investigating the history and archaeology of Edinburgh Castle. Most recently this has been within the context of commissioned research from HES in writing a Statement of Significance for the later Palace in Crown Square.

The 'Birthplace' subtext refers to the Royal Lodging subsumed within the 1617 Palace where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth on 19 June 1566 to the future James VI/ I, and with the Union of the Crowns in 1603 styling himself King of Great Britain and Ireland.

This talk will be presented by Peter Yeoman FSAScot.

Peter is an archaeologist and cultural historian who has directed major excavations projects, notably at Edinburgh Castle and on the Isle of May, while also writing a number of books, major excavation reports and guide books. He has a special expertise in the archaeology of pilgrimage.

Through the 1990's he was Council Archaeologist for Fife. Peter then joined Historic Scotland where he was responsible for developing archaeology and research across the estate of properties in care. He led research programmes which underpinned major permanent exhibitions at James V’s Renaissance Palace within Stirling Castle, at Whithorn Priory, St Vigeans Pictish stones, Iona Abbey, and at Edinburgh Castle.

This will be a hybrid event which will take place both in Augustine United Church and live-streamed online, with the recording uploaded to our YouTube channel shortly after the lecture. Please keep an eye on the Society website, e-newsletters and your email inbox for the latest news and further information on Society events.

The main lecture will be preceded by a short presentation on a related topic by an Early Career Researcher and followed by a Q&A. In-person attendees are also welcome to stay for a free drinks reception from approximately 7pm where you can discuss the lecture and other interests with the speaker, Society Fellows and other attendees.

Booking is essential for members of the public and Fellows of the Society. If you have reserved a ticket and can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or contact [email protected] to allow someone else to take your place.

The Society has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and bullying.

All attendees are requested to act with respect to one another during this hybrid event.

Anyone making comments which we believe to be inappropriate (e.g. offensive or abusive) will be removed from the event immediately. Equivalent procedures (e.g. with regard to spam) will apply online.

To help to tackle climate change and decrease congestion and pollution from cars, the Society encourages you to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to travel to and from this event if possible.

Lothian Buses run services along George IV Bridge, Forrest Road and nearby South Bridge. There are also bicycle racks directly outside the venue.

Please note, the hearing loop facility at Augustine United Church is currently unavailable. We apologise for any inconvenience.

The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail.

Step free access is available via a door to the right of the building - please ring the bell for attention. Please note there is a tight turn in this passageway.

A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and on the lower level (accessible via lift).

Assistance dogs are allowed inside the venue.

If attending via Zoom, captions are included.

You can find further information on Accessibility here.

The Society is grateful for our 2,600 Fellows across the globe whose support enables us to make these event free and open to all.

If you are interested in being part of this network and supporting a charity that has actively supported the study and enjoyment of Scotland’s past for over 240 years, visit our Join Us page for more information about the benefits of becoming a Fellow.

Want to keep up to date with our public-facing events and opportunities? Sign up to the Society's free public e-newsletter and receive monthly updates direct to your inbox.

Images: Edinburgh Castle (© Historic Environment Scotland) and James IV (© Crown Copyright HES)

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