Holyrood Abbey, one of the Historical Monastic Houses of Scotland
Holyrood Abbey Holyrood Abbey was founded in 1128 by King David I of Scotland (born c. 1082-died May 1153, Carlisle, Cumberland, Eng.), who was one of the most powerful Scottish Kings (reigned from 1124). King David I reorganized Scottish Christianity to conform with continental European and English usages and founded many religious communities, mostly for Cistercian monks and Augustinian canons. King David I Holyrood Abbey was founded for the Augustinian Canons and lies adjacent to Holyrood Palce. Holyrood Abbey Gates According to the medieval legend, a vision of a stag with a cross glowing between its antlers came to David while he was hunting in the area. Interpreting this visionary experience as an act of God, the King declared that an Abbey should be established on the spot. Holy Rood, the name of the Abbey and subsequently the Palace means "Holy Cross". "Rood" is indeed an old word for cross upon which Jesus Christ was c...