
Scottish Castles
Aberdeenshire
Angus and Dundee
Argyll and Bute
Ayrshire and Arran
Dumfries and Galloway
Edinburgh and the Lothians
Fife
Glasgow and Clyde Valley
Hebrides and Isles
Highlands
Perthshire
Scottish Borders
Stirlingshire
Local information
Accommodation in Edinburgh & the Lothians
Tourist Board
Edinbuurgh travel tips and information
|
Linlithgow Palace, Edinburgh and the Lothians
Location: Linlithgow EH49 7AL (map and directions)
Linlithgow Palace is a stately ruined palace in the town of Linlithgow, which sits 15 miles
west of Edinburgh. A royal manor stood here as early as the 12th century, then a structure
called ‘the Peel’ was built by the English in the 14th century under Edward I. Linlithgow’s
location made it a prime location as a military base between Edinburgh and Stirling castles. 
Linlithgow Palace © Alistair McMillan
History of Linlithgow PalaceWhen the town of Linlithgow was partially destroyed by a fire in 1424, King James I rebuilt
the palace into a royal residence, simultaneously rebuilding the Church of St Michael to the
south of the Palace. This began a long history of royal connections at Linlithgow, including
additions to the castle by James III, James IV and James V, who added the courtyard
fountain.
Mary Queen of Scots was born at Linlithgow in 1524 and stayed there several times
throughout her reign. After the Union of the Crowns in 1603, Linlithgow was used less
and less by royalty until King Charles I’s overnight in 1633 was the last official royal visit to
Linlithgow.
In January of 1746, 5 months after Bonnie Prince Charlie passed through during a day trip in
1745, Linlithgow was destroyed by The Duke of Cumberland’s army.
Linlithgow has a magnificent great hall, massive windows in the king’s and queen’s
chambers, a three-tiered fountain, and sculptures are found throughout the palace. Today Linlithgow is managed by Historic Scotland and is open year round to visitors. The Church of St Michael is open during the summer only.
View Linlithgow Palace in a larger map
|
Other castles in Edinburgh & the Lothians
Auldhame Castle
Ballencrieff Castle
Barnbougle Castle
Barnes Castle
Bavelaw Castle
Borthwick Castle
Craigcrook Castle
Craigmillar Castle
Cramond Tower
Crichton Castle
Dalhousie Castle
Dalkeith Palace
Dirleton Castle
Dunbar Castle
Dundas Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Fa'side Castle
Fenton Tower
Hailes Castle
Hamilton House
Hawthornden Castle
House of the Binns
Innerwick Castle
Lauriston Castle
Lennox Tower
Lennoxlove House
Linlithgow Palace
Merchiston Castle
Midhope Castle
Niddry Castle
Northfield House
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Preston Tower
Redhouse Castle
Roslin Castle
Tantallon Castle
Whittingehame Tower
Yester Castle
|