History of Linlithgow Palace
1424 - 1488

From 1424 work concentrated on what is now the east range of Linlithgow Palace, including the great hall, and the adjacent parts of the north and south ranges. The palace would thus have had a C-shaped plan, probably open on the west side. The main entrance was on the east, approached by a path alongside St. Michael's church, with a ramp and drawbridge standing before it. Above this gate are the royal arms and to either side are niches to hold statues (probably of St. Andrew and St. James).

The main room of the new palace was the great hall, on the floor above the entrance, though in its present form it dates largely from the reign of James IV. At the north end would have been the kitchen and the royal rooms would have been in the south range.

Work ceased in 1437 on the death of the king. James II was only seven when his father was murdered, and there is no record of him taking over the palace until 1446.

James III was also only a boy when he came to the throne and the young king used Linlithgow Palace as his residence. In 1469 he married Margaret, daughter of Christian I of Denmark, and both Linlithgow Palace and Doune Castle were part of her marriage portion. Further building work took place during his reign, but it is not certain what work was carried out. The south range may have been extended to the corner tower at the south-west and a new kitchen may have been constructed.

There may also have been a plan to enclose the west side of the palace, which was completed by James IV.

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