Linlithgow Palace facts for kids
The ruins of Linlithgow Palace are located in the town of Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland, about 15 miles (24 km) west of Edinburgh. This palace was one of the main homes for the kings and queens of Scotland during the 15th and 16th centuries. Even though it was looked after after Scotland's monarchs moved to England in 1603, the palace wasn't used much. It was sadly burned down in 1746. Today, it's a popular place for visitors and is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland.
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The Palace's Early Days
A royal home stood on this spot as early as the 12th century.
Building a Fort
In 1301-1302, English soldiers under King Edward I built a fort here. They surrounded the area with a wooden fence and a ditch. This fort was called 'the Peel'. It was a great military base because it helped protect the supply routes between Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle. The English fort started being built in March 1302. Many workers, including 60 men and 140 women, helped dig the ditches.
A Clever Capture
In September 1313, a brave Scot named William Bynnie (or Bunnock) took Linlithgow Peel back for Scotland. William used to sell hay to the soldiers guarding the fort. One day, when the gate was opened for him, he stopped his wagon so it couldn't close. He and his seven sons, who were hiding under the hay, jumped out! They captured the fort for King Robert the Bruce. King Robert then had the fort taken apart so the English couldn't use it again.
Rebuilding as a Palace
In 1424, a big fire partly destroyed the town of Linlithgow. King James I began to rebuild the Palace as a grand home for Scottish royalty. He also started rebuilding the Church of St Michael next to the palace. James I wanted to build a beautiful palace, not just a strong castle. Later, Mary of Guelders, the wife of James II, made improvements in 1461. Over the next 100 years, the palace grew into a formal building with a central courtyard.
Kings and Queens at Linlithgow
Many Scottish monarchs lived and visited Linlithgow Palace.
James IV and Margaret Tudor
King James IV often stayed at Linlithgow. He hosted important guests, like the Spanish ambassador, and enjoyed playing games like dice and cards. He also loved hawking (hunting with falcons). The king paid stonemasons working on the palace extra money, known as "drinksilver".
In 1503, the palace was given to Margaret Tudor, who was marrying James IV. Their son, the future James V, was born in the palace in April 1512. An English diplomat visited Margaret Tudor and saw the baby prince. He said the baby was "a right fair child, and a large of his age" (a very beautiful and big child for his age).
James V's Improvements
When James V was a teenager, he made many changes to Linlithgow Palace. He added the impressive outer gateway and the fancy fountain in the courtyard. He also updated the stonework on the south side of the palace. Timber was brought from far away, like Denmark, to help with the building work.
The palace was decorated with painted statues of the Pope, a Knight, and a Labouring Man. New iron window grills, called yetts, were made for security. The chapel ceiling was painted with a beautiful blue color. Thomas Peebles added stained glass to the chapel windows. King James V also had a tennis court in the garden and a trap for eels in the nearby loch!
When Mary of Guise, James V's wife, arrived in Scotland, the palace was repaired for her. The king's kitchen was rebuilt with a new fireplace and oven.
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots, was born at Linlithgow Palace in December 1542. She lived there for a while with her mother, Mary of Guise. In March 1543, an English ambassador visited and saw the baby queen. He said she was "as goodly a child I have seen, and like to live" (as lovely a child as he had ever seen, and likely to live a long life).
To keep the young queen safe, more iron window grills were added to the palace. Mary was later moved to Stirling Castle for her safety.
As an adult, Queen Mary often visited Linlithgow, but she didn't order new building work. Her second husband, Lord Darnley, played tennis at the palace. In 1565, Mary, who was pregnant, came to Linlithgow for a quiet time. She had a beautiful bed of crimson velvet and damask fabric.
James VI and Anne of Denmark
After Mary, Queen of Scots, gave up her throne, James VI of Scotland became king. He held a parliament meeting in the palace's great hall in December 1585. This was the first time all the important nobles had gathered there since his grandfather's time.
James VI gave the palace to his wife, Anne of Denmark, as a special gift. In 1590, a Danish admiral visited and officially took possession of the palace for the queen.
Their daughter, Princess Elizabeth, lived in the palace. James VI also had to deal with townspeople who built houses too close to the palace, blocking paths and hindering the royal laundry near the loch!
Decline and Rebuilding
After 1603, when the Scottish and English crowns united, the royal court moved to England. Linlithgow Palace was used very little.
The Collapse of the North Range
The North Range (one side of the palace) was in very bad condition. In 1607, it completely collapsed! The Earl of Linlithgow wrote to King James VI & I with the news, saying the roof and everything fell inside the walls. He worried the inner walls would fall too and break the fountain.
Rebuilding Efforts
King James ordered the North Range to be rebuilt between 1618 and 1622. The carving was designed by a mason named William Wallace. The new parts of the palace were painted and gilded (decorated with gold). The old statues of the Pope, Knight, and Labouring Man were also repainted.
Despite these efforts, the only reigning monarch to stay at Linlithgow after this was King Charles I, who spent one night there in 1633.
The Final Fire
The palace was described as ruined again in 1668. Its last important moment was in September 1745, when Bonnie Prince Charlie (the Young Pretender) visited Linlithgow. It's said that the fountain flowed with wine in his honor! Sadly, in January 1746, the army of the Duke of Cumberland accidentally burned down most of the palace. They left lamps on straw bedding, causing the fire.
Keepers of the Palace
Many people held the important job of "Keeper" or "Captain" of Linlithgow Palace over the centuries. Their job was to look after the palace, make sure it had food and weapons, and keep a careful watch day and night. This was to protect the palace from enemies and even from diseases like the plague. They had to be ready to give a good report of the palace when needed.
Linlithgow Palace Today
For a long time, the palace was neglected. But in 1832, it came under the care of the government. Major repair work was done in the 1930s and 1940s to make sure the ruins were safe.
Today, Historic Environment Scotland manages and maintains the palace. It's open to visitors all year round, usually for a fee. Sometimes, on "Doors Open Days," you can visit for free! In summer, the nearby 15th-century Church of St Michael is also open. This lets visitors see two amazing medieval buildings at once.
For over 40 years, tours of the palace for children have been led by 'Junior Guides' – pupils from Linlithgow Primary School!
Art and Culture at the Palace
- In 2012, the famous French fashion company Chanel held a fashion show at the palace. The collection was inspired by Scottish styles, using tweed and tartan fabrics. This show made many people interested in the idea of restoring the palace roof.
- Since 2014, a music festival called 'Party at the Palace' has been held on the palace grounds. It's now held on the other side of the loch because it became so popular, but it still has great views of the palace.
- Some scenes in the TV show Outlander are set at a fictional castle that uses Linlithgow Palace as its filming location. This has brought many international tourists to the palace.
The Palace is also said to be haunted by the ghost of Mary of Guise, who was the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Images for kids
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Linlithgow Palace from Linlithgow Loch looking east
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St. Michael's Church and Linlithgow Palace from the Peel
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North and west faces of Linlithgow Palace
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Near infra-red kite aerial photo of Linlithgow Palace looking westwards
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St Michael's Church with its modern crown steeple, viewed across part of the palace.
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Linlithgow, 1836 proof engraving by William Miller after J. M. W. Turner
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The fore entrance to Linlithgow Palace, built by King James V around 1533, gave access to the outer enclosure surrounding the palace
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The four European orders of chivalry to which James V belonged are engraved above the arch of the fore entrance: The Order of the Garter, The Order of the Thistle, The Order of the Golden Fleece, and The Order of St. Michael.
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Great Hall or Parliament House
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Linlithgow Palace at night
See also
In Spanish: Palacio de Linlithgow para niños
