By
the time of the death of James IV Linlithgow Palace had been transformed
into a modern royal residence, with a new west range complete with suites
of royal apartments, for the king and queen.
On
September 9, 1513, the peace with England foundered and James IV faced
the Earl of Surrey's army on Flodden Field, where he fell along with
many of the Scottish nobility. Queen Margaret is reputed to have waited
vainly for his return from the battle in the draughty look-out post
known today as 'Queen Margaret's bower'.
Linlithgow
Palace is best known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The infant
queen remained only 7 months at Linlithgow before being taken to the
greater protection of Stirling Castle by her mother, Mary of Guise.
It was another 20 years before Mary Queen of Scots returned and almost
half a century before Scotland again enjoyed the benefits of a strong
monarchy.
The
Palace then suffered from many years of neglect and by the time King
James VI 
was
old enough to assume control of the government in 1585 the neglect was
beginning to affect the stability of the palace. Despite warnings from
the Keeper and the Master of Works nothing was done, and in 1607 parts
of the palace began to fall:
"..this
sext of September, betwixt thre and four in the morning, the north quarter
of your Majesties Palice of Linlythgw is fallin, rife and all, within
the wallis, to the ground;but the wallis ar standing yit, bot luis everie
moment when the inner wall sall fall, and brek your Majesty's fountan.."
11
years later repair work began.
Charles
I, was responsible for more work and much money was spent. Prior to
his impending visit in 1633 records stated 12s was spent on:
'ane puire manes heid for dichting doune the haill mouse webbis
throw the haill pallace' - that's a duster to clear out the spiders'
webs!
Following
the execution of the King, the Scots proclaimed his son, Charles II,
the king and Oliver Cromwell invaded the country. He defeated the Scots
army and spent the winter at Linlithgow.
After the restoration of Charles II the order came to have the English
defences created by Cromwell at Linlithgow levelled.
The
palace remained part ruined, and since 1746 the palace remained unroofed
and uninhabited.
Various
keepers were maintained and the palace was cared for by public commissioners,
and work included the restoration of the fireplace in the great hall,
and the next 3 decades saw clearance and consolidation.
The
Palace today offers a breathtaking wedding venue, and stunning views
to the surrounding countryside.
Panoramic
Pictures from around the Palace can be found here...
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