CASTLE OF LINLITHGOW
(Scotland)
This palace-fortress dates from the 15th century and thrones high by the shores of Linlithgow Lock. Originally, as early as the middle of the 12th century, there was already at this place a fortified residence which was converted into a manor in 1302, built for Edward I.
James I, king of Scotland, ordered the construction of a royal residence to which the architect incorporated some defensive features such as a drawbridge and a barbican and also reinforced the thick walls of its 4 corner towers. The lower floors windows also were protected by iron bars. In the 1500 machicolations were added.
Mary, Queen of Scots, was born here in 1542. Cromwell stayed in the palace in the winter of 1650-51. Unfortunately, fires guttted this pleasant palace when the Duke of Cumberland’s army left/ retired from Lintlithgow en route to Culloden Moor to face Prince Charles Edward Stuart.
