William Brassey Hole

The Marriage Procession of James IV and Margaret Tudor Edinburgh A.D. 1503

About this artwork

This is the final panel in the suite of historical scenes on the walls of the Great Hall in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. William Hole’s carefully researched details capture the exuberance of medieval pageantry, as the couple pauses on their Royal Entry into Edinburgh the day before their marriage ceremony at Holyrood. It also illustrates James IV’s decision to ride on the same horse with his bride, a gesture that was described in contemporary sources. Through the union of James IV of Scotland (1473-1513) and Margaret Tudor (1489-1541), the daughter of English King Henry VII, their descendant James VI of Scotland was able to claim the English throne a century later, on the death of Queen Elizabeth I.

Updated 2021

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William Brassey Hole

William Brassey Hole