What does the word holyrood mean?

Answer 1

The Rood Screen is a feature found in some very old churches, and probably the 'altar rail' that you see in most Catholic Churches is a remnant of it. It is a structure that separates the altar from the congregation as a symbol of the separateness and holiness of God.

'Holyrood' is the anglicized form of the Scottish phrase for ' holy cross' - haly ruid.

Answer 2

According to royal Residences Web page David the 1st founded a monastery in 1128 near the site of Holyroodhouse Palace. Legend states that he saw the sign of a cross or 'rood' between the antlers of a stag. One can surmise then that the term holyrood means holy cross. Incidentally, the abbey's symbol was a stags head where it's antlers framed a cross. Later, in 1501, James the 4th cleared neighbouring ground and built a palace, of which only a small part remains. however, James the 5th continued the project and added a tower and new front.

Answer 3

Holyrood usually refers to the area in Edinburgh, Scotland where the Scottish Parliament is located. It can also refer to the Scottish Parliament itself.