The Signet Library in Edinburgh: Seals, Sovereigns, & Secret Rooms

The Lower Hall of The Signet Library

At the end of our Edinburgh walking tour yesterday, our guide, Michael, shared a surprise with us. When he discovered that we were library science students, he arranged for us to receive a private tour of the Signet Library before our visit to Edinburgh Castle. This led to us meeting James Hamilton, Research Principal at the Signet Library, which is located next to Edinburgh’s Parliament Houses.

The Lower Hall of the Signet Library

James began the tour in the elegant lower hall flanked by columns with Corinthian capitals and nooks of shelved books each with a large window. James explained that the Signet Library has been in service for over 500 years in several locations and operated by The Society of Writers to His Majesty’s Signet (known as the WS Society). The library functions as a working collection with over 90,000 books pertaining to law and legal practice for the benefit of the public. The term “signet” refers to the royal Seal of the Sovereign, which has been managed by the WS Society in Edinburgh for centuries. According to James, King Charles III, the new Sovereign, will be moving to an electronic Seal. 

The Lower Hall, referred to as The Colonnades, hosts afternoon teas

As Michael, our guide from the previous day had discussed the Thistle Ceremony, James too had some information to add about the ceremony. Apparently the Signet Library has traditionally been the meeting point for the Sovereign and the knights and ladies in which they donned their elaborate robes to prepare for the ceremony, which takes place next door at St. Giles Cathedral. James told a fun story about Queen Elizabeth II and her sister, Princess Margaret, who as children had to be "watched" by the staff of the Signet Library while their parents attended the Thistle Ceremony next door. While the princesses’ parents participated in the ceremony, the girls apparently made mischief and carved their names on the underside of a couple of original William Trotter chairs.

The Upper Hall of the Signet Library is sometimes a venue for events such as this fancy wedding

One last story that James shared with us involved a unique feature of the library--a secret room. The only way to access the room is by a ladder through a small opening. Though the room does not have a traditional doorway, it has windows that overlook St. Giles Cathedral and Parliament Square. Graffiti is found on the walls from various craftspeople or soldiers from the 19th century, who used paint, pencil, or chalk to write their names, draw their tools, or the coats of arms of their guilds.

The Secret Room at Signet Library (photo credit: Signet Library)

The private tour of the Signet Library was unforgettable and special. I am so grateful to both Michael and James for making this happen.

WS Society - The Signet Library Website