This book had its beginning in a series of articles on the builders of the first Palace of Holyrood House, which were contributed to the Scotsman.' The subject interested me, so I extended my inquiries, and now attempt to tell the long history of Holyrood, first as Monastery and then as Palace. The thread of the story stretches through so many centuries that I may be excused if 1 have wrongly interpreted any of the periods which I touch on. The book was nearly completed when the Great War broke out in August 1914, and was laid aside, because other work claimed my thoughts and my time.<br><br>I have to thank many friends for encouragement and assistance. Especially I must express my indebtedness to the late Professor Hume Brown for wise counsel, and acknowledge that his 'History of Scotland' has supplied the historical framework of the book. I am also indebted for ready help given me by his successor in the Chair of Ancient History in the University of Edinburgh, Professor Hannay; and to Hew Morrison, LL.D., Librarian of the Edinburgh Public Library.