Last weekend we went eastward to Linlithgow Palace. The castle lies between Stirling and Edinburgh and was yet another royal home to the ancestors of Mary Queen of Scots as well as being her birth place. Though it looks average castle size and isn't whole or furnished, this has been my favorite castle so far. The grounds we're gorgeous as the castle sits right on Loch Linlithgow and overlooks the countryside opposite the lake. This is the castle I would have chosen to live in. Besides the grounds, this castle was so much fun to explore! There was passage after passage and staircases and entrances over the five levels and underground. You could play a majorly awesome game of hide and seek in here.
We planned for this visit knowing that there was going to be a Renaissance event for just the day. We were entertained by a very good jester (those are real knives,) learned about historic artillery and falcon training, made lavender pomanders (with which to avoid the stench of the servants- and ourselves,) as well as observe a royal feast and banquet with Queen Mary herself! Each of these activities earned us a tick mark on our scavenger list and the kids were rewarded with a fun badge.
Next to the palace is St. Michael's Parish Church, completed in 1540 and where Mary was baptized in 1542. Jon especially loves the old churches and this one has been restored very nicely from when it had once been used by Oliver Cromwell, 1646, to stable horses or had the walls white washed in the early 1800's. No such evidence remains, gratefully, and it was a beautiful place to visit.
The pews at the front of the apse were wonderful; each arm had a carving of a wee animal on it. The mouse was my favorite.
Ancient church or disco?
How in the world are you guys ever going to come home!? And how am I ever going to feel proper, civilized, and globally experienced around you ever again? .... not that I ever was. :) Sooo enjoying your blog. Inspired to rekindle mine; trying to make it half as interesting as yours. ;)
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