St Michael’s Parish Church

Located right next to the equally famous Linlithgow Palace is St Michael’s Church, one of the largest «burgh churches» in Scotland, and regarded as one of the finest.
The Church that stands today was built in the 1100s but was greatly damaged in the 1424 fire that also destroyed the Palace. It also has some major 19^th century renovations too. Like many places around Edinburgh, Cromwell stabled his horses inside and much damage was done to the interior. Despite all this, the Church is a great example of an early and late medieval burgh building. This is also where Mary Queen of Scots was christened and, I believe, where her father James V was crowned.
The church has a very distinctive modern steeple, which resembles crisscrossing metal spikes. Reactions to this contemporary addition are mixed. Its actually supposed to resemble Christ’s crown of thorns. No matter your feelings, its certainly interesting and a great talking point.
The Church is certainly worth at least a quick look around, especially if you’re on your way to the Palace. Its the sort of place that has so much concentrated history its quite hard to believe. It’s also a popular venue for weddings and other services.