Linlithgow
lies roughly midway between Edinburgh and Stirling and the ruins of
the Palace stand beside St. Michael's parish church on a natural hillock,
which overlooks the town to the south and extends as a promontory into
Linlithgow loch on the north.
The
first reference to it is made in November 1301, when the 'Kings Chamber'
was prepared for Edward I of England, whose army had invaded Scotland.
Linlithgow's
position made it an ideal site for a military base and in 1302 the English
king set about transforming it into a secure stronghold. This construction
work, directed by Master James of St. George, was completed by the end
of 1303;and during the siege of Stirling Castle in 1304, the English
were able to use it as their supply base.
In
1314 Linlithgow Palace returned to Scottish hands after the Battle of
Bannockburn.
Work
was set in motion in 1425 until the king's assassination in 1437.
The
principal room of the new palace was the great hall. This ranks as one
of the finest medieval interiors in Scotland, though in its present
day form it dates largely from the reign of James IV.
After
the death of James I, his son made little use of the palace before his
death at Roxburgh in 1640, when an exploding cannon severed his leg.
James III took some interest in the palace and it was again used as
a residence and repairs and alterations made.
Your
wedding could be held in a secluded
part of this ancient ruin...
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"...I
have intended every day to write to you and tell you how totally
pleased, happy, fulfilled in every way we were with the entire
wonderful experience you helped create. Just let me say that we
are all still basking in the wonderful memories of Laura & Will's
wedding and our happy family experience in Scotland, and when
we remember we always remember you because you helped make it
possible (and are a charmer to boot!).."
Bill, California, USA
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