- Type
- Ruin
- Built
- 1424 · 15th century
- Location
- Scotland, United Kingdom
- Coordinates
- 55.9785°, -3.6010°
History
There was a royal manor at Linlithgow as early as the 12th century, and in the early 14th century Edward I fortified it during the Scottish Wars of Independence. After a great fire swept the town in 1424, King James I began building a new residence, which later Stewart kings enlarged: James III, James IV and James V, who added the outer gateway and the fountain in the courtyard. Mary, Queen of Scots was born here in December 1542. Once the court moved to London the palace declined, and the north range, which had collapsed, was rebuilt for James VI in 1618–1624. In 1746 government troops quartered here started a fire, and the palace burned down and has stood roofless ever since.
What to see
The four ranges around the courtyard survive to their full height, so spiral stairs and passages lead you to the kitchens, the royal apartments and the Great Hall with its huge fireplace. In the middle of the courtyard stands James V's richly carved fountain, restored in the early 21st century. The palace sits in the Peel park beside the loch, with the Gothic church of St Michael right next door.
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