Royal birthing room at Edinburgh Castle to be given a makeover

The royal birthing room at Edinburgh Castle where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI is to be given a makeover, Historic Scotland has announced. The tiny bed closet where Mary gave birth to her son, having sacrificed the comfort of nearby Holyroodhouse for the security and status of Edinburgh Castle, will undergo conservation work starting in November this year which will involve 'the careful and delicate retouching of paint on the panelled wooden walls and ceilings which feature Royal Coats of Arms'.

Today, visitors can still see the doorway in Crown Square decorated for the event with a gilded panel bearing the date 1566, and the intertwined initials of Mary along with those of her husband Lord Henry Darnley.



Just as nowadays, the birth of a royal heir prompted great rejoicing, with 500 bonfires lighting up the Edinburgh night, and a royal salute fired from the Castle. James VI’s baptism was celebrated at Stirling with the first recorded fireworks display in Scotland. 

This is not the first time that the birthing room has been revamped. In 1617 James VI returned to Edinburgh to celebrate his fiftieth anniversary as King of Scots, and made an emotional visit to the Birthing Room, which was especially redecorated for the visit.



Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager of Edinburgh Castle said:  'The tiny bed-closet, where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth, is a key historic area of interest within the castle and a huge attraction to visitors.  

'It seems even more appropriate to be restoring it in the same year of another royal birth.'

(Images copyright Historic Scotland)

Keep up to date with the latest history news, discoveries and research in every issue of History Scotland and Scottish Memories magazines, available in print and digital versions.

Sign up now for our FREE e-newsletter for more news stories, sneak previews, exclusive content and special offers.