Reconstruction of Scone Palace After Demolition
Scone Palace: A Journey Through History
Scone Palace, nestled outside Perth, Scotland, is a testament to the rich history of the Kingdom of Scotland. Originally created by David Murray, 1st Viscount Stormont in the 1620s from the remains of Scone Abbey, the palace has undergone significant transformations over the centuries.
In 1716, the palace was owned by the Earl of Breadalbane, and it briefly served as a refuge for James Francis Edward Stuart, also known as the Old Pretender. The Old Pretender, along with his sister Louisa Marie Stuart, was depicted in portraits that adorned the palace walls, as noted by John Loveday during his visit in 1732.
Fast forward to 1803, major changes were planned for the palace under the direction of J. C. Loudon. During this time, the burgh of Scone was moved a mile away to New Scone, leaving behind its Market Cross, cemetery, and vestiges of its parish church. The relocated palace was remodeled by William Atkinson, who had been born in Bishop Auckland and became Wyatt's executant architect and pupil. Atkinson exhibited his designs for Scone Palace at the Royal Academy, London, in 1808 and 1811.
The Earl of Mansfield, who had expended an enormous sum of £60,000 on Scone Palace by 1811, took great care in preserving the palace's historical significance. One smaller room included a 'dark purple velvet bed worked by Mary Queen of Scots' and 'needle-work hangings done by nuns', according to John Loveday. Work to Scone Palace was largely completed in 1812.
Scone Palace's association with the 1715 Jacobite Rising made it irresistibly fascinating to early 18th-century visitors. However, the palace's connection to the Jacobite cause was more complicated. David Murray, 5th Viscount Stormont, was a Jacobite, but his younger son William entered into the law and became a pillar of the Hanoverian establishment. In 1776, Viscount Stormont secured a special concession that the first Earldom could descend instead to his nephew's wife. In 1793, he arranged a second title that would pass directly to the Viscount.
Today, Scone Palace stands surrounded by polo fields and encircled by Perth Racecourse. It preserves the accumulated possessions of many generations of the Mansfield family within a magnificent Regency setting. The Stone of Scone, the ancient symbol of Scottish sovereigns, still plays a significant role. Scone Palace remains the seat of the Earls of Mansfield, continuing to connect us with the origin of the Kingdom of Scotland.
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