With so many beautiful areas in Scotland it can be extremely difficult for a Scottish town to carve out its own identity. After all, from the Highlands to the various Lochs each part of Scotland easily tops the last in terms of beauty. Linlithgow, however, definitely commands attention for its lush scenery and, lovely appearance aside, it is a wonderful and enjoyable location in which to live.
Though the natural scenery is of course admirable, Linlithgow also has its share of man made treasures. Chief among these would no doubt be the famed Linlithgow Palace. This Medieval masterpiece is one of the best examples of classic Scottish manor architecture and the towering edifice is also one of the best preserved buildings from its era in the United Kingdom. Back in 1424 a great fire ravaged through Linlithgow and destroyed much of the town's infrastructure. In those days massive fires weren't particularly uncommon due to the fact that the Middle Ages were marked by thatched roofs and straw huts. Even a modest flame would turn into an unruly blaze simply because of all of the flammable material. At any rate, Linlithgow benefited from this fire at least in some way because, during the restoration of the town, King James I began to rebuild what was a simple manor into a grand palace that would do justice to any lord in Scotland. The Palace still stands proudly in Linlithgow and it can be seen from nearly any corner of town. Sadly, it doesn't look as lush and gorgeous as it once did due to the unavoidable hands of time and erosion. Also, the Palace suffered major damage when it was besieged by the Duke of Cumberland and his army in the 1740s. Sadly, those days were not too far advanced from the Middle Ages. In the 1200s entire towns burned down because of the prevalence of straw but in the 1700s glorious castles and monuments were destroyed simply because some people preferred Protestantism over Catholicism or vice versa. Either way, Linlithgow is most assuredly a popular draw today as well as a timeless treasure of British history: It was the birthplace of both Mary Queen of Scots and James V.
St. Michael's Church is another hugely popular attraction in Linlithgow and it too is one of the finest examples of its kind. Built in the 1400s, the church is considered to be among the best preserved "burgh kirks" in existence. Though certain features like the roof and spires have been changed over time, St. Michael's definitely has held up well and it is a wonderful photo opportunity for anybody who loves history or is simply enamored with the words of the Good Book. You don't have to be a fan of either pursuit, though, to enjoy Linlithgow to its fullest. The town is filled to the brim with exciting and wondrous sights and creations and there is truly something for everybody in this lovely slice of Scottish earth.
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