Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 31 on 16/02/2007.

This article is 16 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

A private palace

Charles Douglas visits Falkland Palace in Fife, former home to the Stuart kings as well as a peculiar form of tennis

The Royal House of Stuart took possession of the estate of Falkland and its earldom in 1371, when the last Countess of Fife made it over to her brother-in-law Robert Stuart, Duke of Albany, brother of Robert III.

In 1402, David, Duke of Rothesay, heir to Robert III, died mysteriously while staying with his uncle, who, when his other nephew was caught and held prisoner in England, became Governor of Scotland. It was generally believed that Albany had contrived David’s death in order to place his own son on the Scottish throne, added to which he made little effort to liberate James.

However, after James I was released to return to Scotland in 1424, Albany and his son were executed for treason, and his property, including Falkland, passed to the Crown. In 1451, James II built an extension to Falkland, and eight years later gifted the castle to his queen, Mary of Gueldres. Seven years later, the town was made a royal burgh, and the castle was given palace status.

James III spent much of his childhood here, but it was his son, James IV, who took a real interest in improving the facilities and built the south range.

The style was very much of its time, rudimentary Gothic, but then along came James V. Having recently returned from a visit the French Court in 1537, he had seen just how successfully Italian Renaissance style could be blended with French castellated Gothic.

His architect, Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, was instructed with the understanding that all of the craftsme.....

To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Scotland Magazine to have every issue delivered direct to your door.

By Charles Douglas

Section : Historic Houses

Page number : 14