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QUINCENTENARY OF KING JAMES V OF SCOTS
D
id you know that three monarchs were born in Linlithgow Palace? Very few can be unaware that Mary
Stewart, Queen of Scots, was born there in December, 1542. Many will have heard of the ‘Winter Queen’, Elizabeth of Bohemia, daughter of King James VI who was born in 1596. However, perhaps fewer people are conscious of the fact that King James V of Scots was also born in Linlithgow Palace – 500 years ago this year - on April 10th, 1512. Just 17 months later, his father dead on Flodden Field, he was the infant King of Scots.
A succession of regents ruled in his stead until 1525 when James became a virtual prisoner of his step-father, Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus. An attempt was made the next year to rescue the young monarch but the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge proved unsuccessful and James remained in Douglas hands until 1528. When the young king eventually gained his freedom, his main contributions to Linlithgow Palace were twofold: the moving of the main entrance to the top of the Kirkgate with the associated construction of the imposing stone archway bearing his orders of chivalry and the creation of the wonderful (and recently restored) fountain within the palace courtyard.
James was king at a time of enormous upheaval. In Scotland, he tried to bring law and order to a rebellious group of nobles, Border reivers and Highland chieftains. In his foreign policy, he was caught up in the English-French rivalry and the religious changes under way. His detractors point to his attack on Protestantism and the burning at the stake of Protestant martyr Patrick Hamilton who had attended Linlithgow Grammar School. His supporters refer to his title as the ‘Guid Man o’ Ballengeich’ and how he would mingle incognito with his subjects in order to hear their grievances first hand.
Another local connection was his relationship with his stirrup bearer, Rab Gibb of Carriber Castle, near Muiravonside. On one occasion, the king installed Rab, dressed in regal robes, on the royal throne in Linlithgow Palace. Many courtiers entered, all begging some favour of their monarch. After listening for some time, Rab addressed the greedy supplicants with the words: “Get ye hence, ye covetous selfish loons, and bring to me my own dear and trusty servant, Rob Gibb, that I may honour the only one of my court who serves me for stark love and kindness.”
James married the French princess, Mary of Guise, and his adherence to the Auld Alliance saw him go to war against England - and the army of his uncle, Henry VIII. Depressed at his defeat at the Battle Solway Moss, and probably suffering from an illness, he died at Falkland Palace - at the age of thirty, leaving his one week old daughter as Queen of Scots. As he expired, his head turned to the wall, he uttered the immortal words: “It cam wi’ a lass, it’ll gang wi’ a lass.”
Despite his achievements and legacy, King James remains a somewhat overlooked monarch. However, we in Linlithgow can always pay our respects at his birthplace - in the north-east corner of Linlithgow Palace.
BRUCE JAMIESON
To celebrate the 500th anniversary of James V at Linlithgow Palace, come along on Sunday April 15th and discover what childhood would have been like in the 16th century. Lean about how a Royal Stewart baby would have been raised and try your hand at period games.
Price (including admission) Adults £5.50 Concessions £4.40 Children £3.30. Free to members of Historic Scotland.
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