Wee Guides to Scotland
Falkland Palace
Goblinshead
 130 Inveresk Rd
Musselburgh
EH21 7AY
SCOTLAND
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A fortified but comfortable residence remodelled in Renaissance style, Falkland Palace consists of ranges of buildings around an open courtyard. The late 15th-century gatehouse range survives complete, while an adjoining range is ruined, and only traces remain of a range opposite the gatehouse. The Chapel Royal, with fine mullioned windows, has a 16th-century oak screen at one end, and the painted ceiling dates from 1633. There is also a fine tapestry gallery, and access to the keeper's apartments. The restored cross house contains a refurbished room, reputedly the King's Room, where James V died in 1542. Falkland was used as a hunting seat by the kings of Scots from the 12th century. The property was owned by the MacDuff Earls of Fife in the 14th century, and the castle was destroyed by the English in 1337. It was rebuilt, and in 1371 passed to Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany. He had David, Duke of Rothesay, his nephew and the heir of Robert III, imprisoned here and starved to death in 1402. After 1425 Falkland was acquired by the Crown, and was used by Mary, wife of James II, and it became a favourite residence of the Stewart kings. It was used and remodelled by James III, James IV, and James V. Mary, Queen of Scots, visited the palace in 1563, James VI stayed at Falkland, as did Charles I in 1633, and Charles II in the 1650s. Despite a visit by George IV in 1822, the palace deteriorated until 1887 when it was restored by the 3rd Marquis of Bute. In 1952 The National Trust for Scotland assumed responsibility for the building. There are extensive gardens and a Royal tennis court, dating from 1539. Visitor centre.
Directions: Off A912, 4 miles N of Glenrothes, Fife..
Ownership: NTS 01337 857397 Ord. Survey Map Ref: NO 254075 59
Open: Daily April to October.
Key: P Nearby S WC £ Click Here for explanation of Key and other abreviations

Fax:+44 (0) 131 653 6566 Tel: +44 (0) 131 665 2894
email:goblinshead@sol.co.uk

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Coding and layout copyright Scotland 2000