Maxwell Official Guide to Holyroodhouse - The Grian Press

OF HOLYROODHOUSE. 31
years after James IV.'s death ? Probably the reference was
to the " foir-werk " or gatehouse described on page i, the
cells in which were used as a prison until the debtors'
sanctuary fell into disuse. A private staircase in the
thickness of the wall leads from Queen Mary's Audience
Chamber to a point opposite the jail door. There is
nothing more of interest before reaching the roof, only
some store-rooms full of lumber, decayed furniture, &c.
The Royal Apartments.
Although these are not open to inspection by the public,
a brief survey of their character and arrangement may not
be deemed out of place. Access is given from the east
end of the Picture Gallery to the suite renovated in 1857
for the residence of Queen Victoria and her Consort. The
first apartment is called
The Queen's Breakfast -Room,
measuring 24 feet by 19 feet 8 inches, and in height 16^
feet. The decoration dates from the seventeenth century,
the ceiling being coved and deeply coffered, with a circular
panel in the centre, and the ornaments are of fine plasterwork.
The walls are partly panelled with oak, the chimney-
piece being of the same material, richly carved. Beyond is
The Vestibule,
a small square room, panelled with oak, the ceiling being
domed, painted blue with silver stars. Next in order is
Prince Albert's Dressing- Room,
measuring 26 feet 5 inches by 24
feet. The doors are
deeply carved, as is the mantelpiece, and in the centre of