Scone Palace - Perth Scotland (Pvt - Earls of Mansfield)
The home of the Earls of Mansfield for 400 years, Scone has a long and varied history. Robert the Bruce was crowned here, as was Charles II in 1651 at the last Coronation in Scotland. The famous Stone of Scone, removed by Edward I of England in 1296, has been replaced with a replica, but it's position in front of the medieval chapel on the Moot Hill still attracts many visitors in search of Scotland's heritage. The old abbey at Scone was destroyed in 1559 by a mob from nearby Perth, incited by a speech by John Knox, and the land passed into the Murray family in 1604 as a reward for their loyalty to King James VI. It is still in the hands of the descendants of Sir David Murray. The first Earl lived not at Scone, but at Kenwood in Hampshire, and it was his grandson who built the Palace that we see today, overlooking the 'silvery Tay'.
Scone Palace through the ancient gateway from the original Abbey
In 1802, the architect William Atkinson grafted a new gothic building onto the remains of the old residence of the Abbot. The exterior is crenellated and presents a uniform appearance, softened by the beautiful red creeper during the autumn. The rooms open to the public are finished with gothic touches, pointed arched doors and traceried windows, but most of the furnishings and objects display an eclectic and indulged taste. The family were great collectors and there is a profusion of ivory, porcelain , paintings and furniture from many periods. In the library, the gently glowing gothic oak bookcases now display sets of porcelain, carefully washed and placed there by the present Countess. In the dining-room, there are over seventy pieces of large European ivories, set of very well against the blue walls. The drawing-room has a plaster-work ceiling and large portraits of the family, including one of the first Earl of Mansfield by Joshua Reynolds. The second Earl was a widely travelled man, becoming Ambassador to the French Court after success in Dresden and Vienna. He and his wife became close to Marie Antoinette during their time in France.The so-called Ambassador's room at Scone contains a huge state bed, presented to the Earl, while still Viscount Stormont, and also portraits of him and his family. Particularly eye-catching is that of his niece, Lady Elizabeth Murray, with Dido who was the housekeeper's daughter. The inner hall, a rich red with a white tudor style ceiling, has further cabinets and also two large Brown European Bears, who look like they should be playing double-bass. Further on, the Royal Gallery takes you into what was once the Jacobean Long Gallery, used for display and exercise during bad weather. Apparently, the original ceiling, removed during the nineteenth century alterations, had a painting of King James and a hunt, but this was thought too old-fashioned! Displayed in this room are the Vernis Martin, incredibly decorated papier mache jugs and vases from the eighteenth century. In the Slip Gallery is an interesting display of family photographs. The final State Room, the Duke of Lennox's Room, contains bedhangings embroidered by Mary Queen of Scots, King James VI's oak table and also copies of the Royal Favours, the Scottish Crown Jewels now on display at Edinburgh Castle.
Scone Palace
The gardens at Scone are a delight, with walks through the old gateway, past the Mercat Cross on the site of the medieval village through borders of flowers and mature trees. There is a new beech-hedged maze which is fun, and a Pinetum, first planted in 1848, and added to over the years. This is a peaceful and curious place, freshly scented and with fungi, grass and trees the only vegetation. Scone is a strange mixture of the ancient in its intrinsic links with Scottish history, and the modern - the site for weddings and displays. Society and Scone's function changes, but the Palace adapts and remains.
Chapel on the Moot Hill
Scone Palace Website http://www.scone-palace.co.uk