Linlithgow

Linlithgow, an ancient royal burgh, the county town of Linlithgowshire, lies 16 miles W. of Edinburgh, near the southern shore of Linlithgow Loch, which, 150 feet above sea-level, covers 102 acres, and deepens westward from 10 to 50 feet. On a promontory, 66 feet high, stands the stately ruin of Linlithgow Palace, mostly rebuilt between 1425 and 1628, and fired by Hawley's dragoons in 1746. It was the birthplace of James V. and Mary Stuart. The neighbouring parish church of St Michael's is a very good Decorated structure of mainly the 15th and 16th centuries; within its south transept James IV. received the Flodden warning. Another event in Linlithgow's history was the murder of the Regent Moray. The Cross Well (rebuilt in 1807) and the new town-hall (1889) are also noteworthy. With Falkirk, &c., Linlithgow returns a member. Pop. (1831) 3187; (1891) 4155. See Waldie's History of Linlithgow (3d ed. 1879).