Tour
Historic Falkland Palace
 Falkland,
situated in historic Fife, shot to importance in
the 14th century when the Stewart monarchy acquired Falkland
Castle from Macduff, the Thane of Fife. Unlike the Picts
who had built a fort on the East Lomond for defensive purposes
the Stewarts were most interested in Falkland as a place
of sport and relaxation. The name of Falkland is associated
with falconry which was one of the popular sports in the
area and the Howe of Fife with its vast forests was ideal
for hawking as well as hunting deer and wild boar.
Blessed with a Royal presence, Falkland was made a Royal
Burgh by James II in 1458 and the village prospered. Between
1453 and 1541 the old castle was transformed into a beautiful
Royal Palace which was one of the finest Renaissance Palaces
in Britain.
Yet for all its splendor the Palace was often cloaked in
the intrigue of Scottish politics. In 1402 the Duke of Rothesay,
son of Robert III, was imprisoned in the Palace by his uncle
the Duke of Albany and eventually died a cruel death from
neglect and starvation. James V was ill at Falkland when
he heard that his wife had given birth to a daughter - Mary
Queen of Scots.
Falkland was a popular retreat with all the Stewart Kings
and Mary Queen of Scots but in 1603 when James VI took his
court to London for the Union of the Crowns this signalled
the end of an era both for the Palace and the village.
Although Charles I and II both visited Falkland times had
changed and later Cromwell's invading troops set fire to
the Palace which quickly fell into ruin. In 1887 the restoration
of the Palace was started by John Patrick Crichton Stuart,
the keeper of the Palace.
To this day the family continue to hold the position of
both Constable and Keeper of the Royal Palace of Falkland.
A tour of the Palace will visit the Keeper's bedroom with
the elaborately carved Four poster bed of James VI, the
16th century Chapel Royal with its painted ceiling, the
Tapestry Gallery and many other beautiful rooms which successfully
capture the atmosphere of another era.
The Palace Gardens have again been beautifully laid out
and situated in one corner is the oldest Royal Tennis Court
in Britain which was built in 1539 for James V.
Today Falkland still prospers and yet still retains its
ancient character which makes it definitely worth a visit.
The village street contain many attractive features. Look
out for the red pantiled roofs, the thatched roofs and crow-stepped
gables.
The restoration of the Palace, the crafts shops, weavers
cottage, restaurants and hotels all contribute towards a
wonderful village.
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