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 Spynie
Palace was built as a residence for the Bishops of Moray. The cathedral
that accompanied the palace has not survived the tests of time. The
existing ruins date from the early 1400's and the later
1700's. The original residence was built in 1207 after Bishop Brice obtained approval from the pope to establish a cathedral, Holy Trinity, at Spynie. The tower in its present state is the combination of early construction and 16th century reconstruction. It has been dubbed David's Tower for Bishop David Stewart who used the tower as his private residence. The surrounding space contained the hall, kitchens and residential areas for supporting the palace.
Spynie Palace is located 2 miles to the North of Elgin on the east side of the A941, which is the main Elgin to Lossiemouth Road. The opening times and admission prices are as follows : Apr -
Sept: Daily: 9.30am-5.30pm Last entry 5pm Admission Prices: | Adult (16-59yrs) £3.70 | Concession(60+yrs) £3.00 | Child (5-15yrs) 3.70 | Joint Tickets: | Adult £6.20 | Concession £5.00 | Child £3.70
Prices and times correct at 26 July 2010 |
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The
palace has been a key figure in several political arenas and Monarchs
would stop and use this palace as their residence. The struggle
for religion, Catholic vs. Presbyterian, played a big part between
early 1500's and late 1600's. Spynie has passed through several
hands and families and fell into disrepair after 1689.It passed
to the state and in 1825, the Barons of Exchequer began care for
Spynie and in 1838, they sold the land to the trustees of the Earl
of Fife for upkeep. In 1973 the ruins were returned to the state
which has maintained it ever since.