Palace of Haddington facts for kids
The Palace of Haddington was an important royal palace in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland. It was built and used mainly during the 12th and 13th centuries, which means the 1100s and 1200s. This palace was a special home for Scottish royalty.
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The Royal Palace of Haddington
Where Was the Palace?
The Palace of Haddington was located on King Street, which is now called Court Street. If you visit Haddington today, you'll find the East Lothian Council buildings standing right where the old palace used to be. It's interesting to think about how a modern building now occupies a spot with such a long history!
In 1833, during some digging work, people found parts of the palace. They discovered pieces of its old arched ceilings, which are called "vaulting." These discoveries helped historians learn more about what the palace might have looked like.
Who Lived at Haddington Palace?
The palace was home to several important people in Scottish history.
Ada de Warenne's Home
A noblewoman named Ada de Warenne received Haddington, including the land and the palace, when she married Prince Henry of Scotland. This was part of their "marriage settlement," which is like an agreement about what each person brings to the marriage.
After her husband, Prince Henry, passed away in 1152, Ada continued to live at the palace. She stayed there until her own death in 1178. So, for many years, the Palace of Haddington was her main residence.
Birthplace of a King
Later, King William the Lion of Scotland sometimes stayed at the palace. It was a convenient and comfortable place for him to visit. The Palace of Haddington holds a very special place in Scottish history because King William's son, Alexander II, was born there in 1198. Imagine a future king being born in that very palace!
Why Was the Palace Abandoned?
The Attack of King John
Sadly, the palace and the town of Haddington faced a terrible event in 1216. An English army, led by King John of England, attacked the area. They burned and "pillaged" the town and the palace. To pillage means to rob a place using violence, taking valuable things and causing a lot of damage.
The End of a Royal Home
Because of the severe damage caused by King John's army, the Scottish royal family decided to leave the palace. It seems the destruction was so bad that they could no longer use it as a royal residence. After this attack, the Palace of Haddington was abandoned and never fully recovered its former glory as a home for kings and queens.
