History of Linlithgow Palace
1488 - 1542
When James III was killed the throne was passed to his son James IV. The young king had decided right from the start that he would
transform Linlithgow Palace into a modern residence. This included building the west range (which may have been
started by James III) which closed off the west side of the palace. The new
range included new suites of royal apartments for the king and queen. The great
hall was also remodelled at this time.
The south-east corner tower was rebuilt and a new chapel
was constructed on the first floor of the south range (where the royal
apartments may have been before). A three-tiered gallery was built, overlooking
the central court, to join the great hall with the new west range.
James IV faced the earl of Surrey's army on Flodden Field
where he was killed. Queen Margaret, his wife, is said to have waited in vain for
his return in the draughty look out post above the north-west turnpike stair,
known today as Queen Margaret's Stairs. His son, James V, was 17 months old when
he succeeded his father.
Little mention is made of the palace until 1526, but
further work on it didn't start until 1534. The main entrance to the
palace, which was on the east side, was moved to the south side. An outer
gateway was built south of it which gave access to the outer enclosure from the
town. The south wall was straightened and the south-west tower enlarged (to
match the south-east one).
Further work took place throughout the palace and the fountain in the centre
of the court was built in 1538 while ongoing repairs to the palace continued
from 1543.
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