Video: The Darnley Jewel - spotlight

The Darnley or Lennox locket is one of the most important early jewels in the Royal Collection. Usually seen in Mary Queen of Scots' Outer Chamber at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, it is said to have been commissioned by Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox for her husband Matthew Stewart, Earl of Lennox and Regent of Scotland. 

The Darnley Jewel from Royal Collection Trust on Vimeo. Video Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2020.

Royal Collection activities

Palace of Holyroodhouse has released several online activities for people to enjoy at home during the Coronavirus lockdown. 

360° tour of the King's Bedchamber at Palace of Holyroodhouse

Explore some of the Palace’s State Apartments from the comfort of your own home. Notice how the rooms become progressively grander as you approach the King's Bedchamber - the grandest room of all, where historically, only the most important guests would have been granted an audience. Watch here.

Online game

Keep the family entertained with this fun and interactive online game. Take a journey through time to discover how the Palace of Holyroodhouse got its name as you twist and turn through centuries of history.

Find out which former residents enjoyed roast lamb for dinner and who became queen of Scotland at just six days old. Play the game.

Leonardo da Vinci resources

Leonardo da Vinci’s fascination with the world continues to inspire over 500 years after his death. 

Palace of Holyroodhouse has collaborated with teachers to bring together a range of activity sheets, downloadable resources, films and a multi-award winning app. Suitable for both primary and secondary aged pupils. Click here.

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