Falkland Palace, Falkland, United Kingdom

Falkland Palace is a royal palace of the Scottish Kings. Before Falkland Palace was built a hunting lodge existed on the site in the 12th century. This lodge was expanded in the 13th century and became a castle which was owned by the Earls of Fife, the famous Clan MacDuff.

Between 1501 and 1541 Kings James IV and James V transformed the old castle into a beautiful renaissance royal palace. Falkland was included in the 'morning gift' that James VI gave to his bride Anne of Denmark.

For five hours in the morning of 28 June 1592 Francis Stewart, Earl of Bothwell and his men attempted to capture the palace and James VI and Anne of Denmark. They attempted to batter down the back gate but were repulsed by gunshots. The king withdrew to the gatehouse tower and his guard shot at Bothwell's men. Bothwell abandoned the attack at 7 o'clock in the morning, and rode away with the king's horses.

After the Union of the Crowns in 1603, the architect James Murray repaired the palace for the visit of King James in 1617. In 1887 John, 3rd Marquis of Bute purchased the estates of Falkland and started a 20-year restoration of the palace. At the time the Palace was a ruin with no windows or doors. Thanks to his restoration work and considerable budget the Palace remains standing today.

Today there is much to explore as you walk through the palace, taking in the detailed panelling in the drawing room, the stunning Chapel Royal (where mass is still said every Sunday morning) and the fascinating painted walls of the library, as well as the re-created royal apartments.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Vrushali Patil (4 months ago)
Very well maintained gardens, tennis court (world's oldest!)and palace. Great for a walk and wander around.

M Shields (5 months ago)
Lovely Palace and grounds. Great place for a day trip, or just a walk around the grounds of you are staying near by. Only difficulty I found was the upper levels of the Palace were difficult for me to access due to my limited mobility.

liz knight (5 months ago)
Nice wee ship with some lovely goods. Unfortunately the Palace is closed just now. The gardens are open though and worth a look around.

Archie McLellan (5 months ago)
Had a walk about town then decided to investigate the gardens. Great autumn colours and assortment of trees, flowers etc. Loads of butterflies to be seen and the apples from the orchards made a delicious apple crumble. A really nice, friendly place to visit.

buggaloo jones (6 months ago)
Stumbled across this place whilst looking for something else... what a find nice gardens along with the nice lady in the gift shop. Very helpful. Thanks.

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