Red Damask Bed with detail of the canopy - Formerly known as Queen Mary's Bed

Four - posted state bed hung with red damask hangings

From the Duke of Hamilton's Apartments, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

This magnificent bed is now on display in the King's bedchamber, in the Historic Apartments at Holyroodhouse Palace. The bed was originally acquired by James, 3rd Duke of Hamilton, Hereditary Keeper of the Palace and was part of the Hamilton family furnishings at their grace-and-favour apartment within the Palace

The bed can probably be identified in a Hamilton inventory of 1672 but definitely in one of 1684 and its history can be traced through the Hamilton Holyroodhouse Palace inventories until at least 1740. For example, an inventory of 1722 shows that the 5th Duke slept in the 'Red Crimsone Silk Stuff bed'. By 1761 the bed (in the inventories) is found in Lady Susan Stewart's room. By 1784 this same room is described as 'Queen Mary's Room' and the bed erroneously as that belonging to Mary Queen of Scots. The Hamiltons were not so frequently in residence in these years and appointed a Housekeeper whose room is noted in the same inventory. It was she who took vistors round the apartments at Holyroodhouse Palace and who may have been responsible for erroneously linking the bed with the dramatic life of the earlier incumbent Mary Queen of Scots.

Stylistically the bed could not have been made in the 16th century. Its exuberant cornice and rich red damask hanging are typical of the late 17th century and may have been inspired by contemporary designers such as Daniel Marot designer at the court of William and Mary. This dating is also meticulously supported by its appearance in the Hamilton Holyroodhouse Palace inventories between 1684 and 1784.