Linlithgow Palace rests roughly 18 miles from Edinburgh and is a popular tourist attraction associated with Mary Queen of Scots. Today you will see only ruins; a fire in 1746 robbed the castle of its former splendour. Yet, within its stone walls there remains a glimmer of its former glory.

Origins

The castle first existed as a manor house that once stood as an important strategic point for Edward I of England during the Scottish Wars of Independence until 1424 when a great fire the building and surrounding village. Six years later, King James I of Scotland commissioned a new palace to be built...

In July 1548, four French ships sailed from Dumbarton Castle. Aboard one of these vessels was the six year old Queen of Scots. It would be thirteen years before she returned to her country. Just like Mary's story, Dumbarton Castle has played a major role in Scotland's history.

Dumbarton's History:

Dumbarton Castle itself stands guard over the point where the river Leven meets the river Clyde and its history dates back at least 1, 500 years. Today it is a prime tourist attraction for Historic Scotland.

Very little of the medieval castle survives besides the Portcullis Arch and the ruins of the...

There has been a recent surge in interest of Scotland's infamous queen Mary Stewart. An exhibition is currently on at the national museum of Scotland, two films are currently in production about the life of Scotland's most tragic figure, as well as a TV series starting in October focusing on her years in France. After reading up the 2013 movie it was said that the book that gave the writer the most influence was a biography by playwright/biographer Stefan Zweig.

From the moment of her birth Mary had been the centre of attention - queen at just six days old she was a coveted prize for both England...

08 Dec 1542 - Mary is born at Linlithgow Palace.

14 Dec 1542 - King James V dies.

01 July 1543 - The Treaty of Greenwich is signed, agreeing for Mary to marry the future King Edward VI of England.

09 Sep 1543 - Mary is crowned Queen of Scotland.

Dec 1543 - The Treaty of Greenwich is rejected as Scotland renews its alliance with France.

May 1544 - The English lead a scathing attack on Edinburgh in order to impose Henry VIII's treaty of the Scots. This becomes known as 'The Rough Wooing'.

07 Aug 1548 - Mary sails from Dumbarton Castle to the safety of France.

24 Apr 1558 - Mary marries the French Dauphin,...