Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow (Edinburgh)
Birth place of Mary Queen of Scots
Summary
- 14th century buildings
- Gift shop
- Free car parking (on site)
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Food and Drinks
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Introduction
The magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace are set in a park beside a loch. Most of the Stewart kings lived here, and numerous renovations to the palace’s grand façades and chambers were carried out as each sought to create the ideal modern palace. The loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the extensive wildfowl population. A well surfaced walkway around the loch gives good views of the abundant water birds including swans, ducks, great crested and little grebes.
Open all year, Apr-Sep, daily 9.30-5.30; Oct-Mar, daily 9.30-4.30. Closed 25-26 Dec & 1-2 Jan.
History to the present day
The majestic royal palace of the Stewarts at Linlithgow today lies roofless and ruined. Yet the visitor still feels a sense of awe on entering its gates. It was begun by James I in 1424, rising like a phoenix from the flames following a fire that devastated its predecessor. It became a truly elegant ‘pleasure palace’, and a welcome stopping-place for the royal family along the busy road linking Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.
The Stewart queens especially liked its tranquillity and fresh air. The ancient palace served as the royal nursery for James V (born 1512), Mary Queen of Scots (born 1542) and Princess Elizabeth (born 1596), better known as ‘the Winter Queen’. But after 1603, when James VI moved the royal court to London following his coronation as James I of England, the palace fell quickly into decline. The end came ignominiously in September 1745, when a fire swept through the ghostly rooms.
Linlithgow Palace stands on a low green promontory overlooking a small inland loch. The name Linlithgow means ‘the loch in the damp hollow’. The location has a history of occupation reaching back at least to Roman times 2,000 years ago. David I (1124–53) was the first monarch to build a royal residence on the site. He also founded the town that sprang up in its shadow.
The peace of Linlithgow was shattered in 1296 when Edward I of England invaded Scotland. In 1302 the ‘Hammer of the Scots’ had a formidable defence built around the royal residence. He called it his ‘pele’ (from Old French pel, meaning ‘stake’). Nothing of Linlithgow Peel survives, but the word now describes the attractive parkland surrounding the later palace of the Stewarts. In 1424 a great fire swept through the town. The old palace was badly damaged. James I (1406–37) started to build anew. Over the course of the next century and more, his heirs completed the great task. The end result was a monumentally impressive quadrangular palace, with four ranges grouped around a central courtyard. At its centre stood James V’s wonderful fountain (1538). James I’s great hall dominated the east quarter, whilst the royal chapel and royal apartments added by James IV (1488–1513) graced the south and west quarters. The north quarter came crashing to the ground in 1607, and was rebuilt by James VI (1567–1625). Alas, that quarter probably housed the queen’s apartment, meaning that the room where Mary Queen of Scots was born in December 1542 no longer exists.
Food and Drinks
Self service tea and coffee facilities. Picnic area available.
Grounds and gardens
Linlithgow Peel originally comprised the gardens and grounds around the Palace of Linlithgow. As more and more lands bounding the Loch have been passed to Historic Scotland and its predecessors over the years these areas have come to be known as part of.the Peel.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: , Edinburgh, , United Kingdom
There are regular train services to Linlithgow from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Walk 2 minutes to Linlithgow High Street, near Station Road; progress westwards to the Palace. By Car from the M9, take the A803 to Linlithgow.
