Falkland Palace

Falkland Residence is a royal palace of the Scottish Kings in Falkland, Fife, Scotland. It was a favorite haunt of Mary, Queen of Scots, offering a respite from political and religious upheaval. Today, it is led by Ninian Stuart, who delegated the majority of his responsibilities to The National Trust for Scotland. The Chapel Royal at the Palace is dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle and is available to the public for Catholic devotion.

Falkland was built on a square layout around a central courtyard, mostly by French masons and dazzling with Renaissance details up to current with the newest architectural styles of the French court. The south courtyard front features some of the most interesting stone sculptures of its period in Britain, ranging from young women to veteran warriors placed amid lush wreaths. Nonetheless, the major street frontage is disguised. It is in Late Gothic style, prompting historians to believe it is older than the Renaissance courtyard on the other side; both were erected at the same time, with the palace finished in 1541. The facade is merely a somber, churchlike counterpoint to the more frivolous splendors within.

The courtyard was initially finished on the north side with a great hall. The 3rd Marquis of Bute excavated and laid out the footprint of the structure using paving slabs. The repaired footings of Falkland Castle are located outside this region. The location of the 17th-century Nether Palace or Castlestead is known from a plan and elevation created by Alexander Edward.

Location: Falkland, Fife, Scotland