Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace is the hugely impressive quadrangular palace-fortress erected in the 15th century by King James I. An earlier castle known as the Peel of Linlithgow was here in the 12th century but sacked during the Wars of Independence. Repaired at the instruction of King David II, a fire destroyed it and part of the town leading to the reconstruction by King James. It remained one of the principal palaces of the Stewart kings until 1603.

The palace has four towers around a central courtyard, with accommodation wings on all sides and a grand elevated entrance to the east. Every effort was made to make Linlithgow as splendid as possible and to emphasise the wealth and prestige of the Stewarts. After King James VI became king of England, the palace was left to decay, and parts were deroofed by the 1640s. It was sporadically occupied in the 17th and 18th century but accidentally burned down in 1746. Conservation started in the 19th century and today it is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry