Linlithgow Palace

For our day out we got ready to visit the Japanese Garden until we realised that it would not be open today so went to Linlithgow Palace instead. It is many years since being there and memories faded to oblivion.

Thus, fortified by coffee at Mannerston's, we parked once more in the St Ninian's Way car park and walked along the loch, feeding the swans (by hand!) as we approached the hill upon which the palace stands. Extra photo is a collage from the loch.

Then, in through the south porch, up steps, down, around, along and every way in between, we covered the entire building as far as allowed. Much repair is underway as, having been open to the elements, a certain amount of erosion has taken place, and one or two serious cracks in evidence. I was pleased to note a few masons' marks, although there is also the inevitable graffiti as imitation.

Main photo is the impressive three-tiered fountain standing at the centre of the quadrangle. Described in The Buildings of Scotland - Lothian as 'wedding-cake-like in its dense decoration and shape' and, by lead piping that fed the fountain, dated from 1538. Comparisons are made between certain elements of those at other historical sites, such as Wenlock Priory, King's College Aberdeen and Stirling Castle. According to the information panel 'broken fragments were reassembled in to 1800's and missing sections reimagined in the 1930's. More recently, some of the worn C16 stonework had to be repaced during essential conservation work. Three of the statues are based on surviving originals, including the mermaid and drummer.

A very full history of the palace and its occupants is found here.

As we left down Kirkgate, where the succession of Stewarts royalty is displayed along the wall, I noted the addition of our newest crowned head, Charles III.

We pottered along the High Street back to the car and the prettiest way home, safe on our way before the rain began.