Linlithgow Story

Linlithgow's Museum, The Linithgow Story, is situated in Annet House on the Royal Burgh's historic High Street. Annet House is, in itself, part of the town's history, built as it was in 1787 as home to one of the town's merchant families and serving as a family home until the 20th century. Since then the building has had various uses including a police station, Civil Defence HQ, public library and Registrar's office before becoming a museum.

Annet House is close to the spot, just west of Linlithgow Cross where James Stewart, Earl of Moray, half brother to Mary Queen of Scots, was assassinated in 1570. In the museum visitors can learn about the Stewart kings who granted Linlithgow its charter as a royal burgh and who built Linlithgow Palace the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. The museum also tells visitors about the commoners who lived in the town which grew up round the royal palace and about the trades they practised. Visitors to the terraced garden can learn something of the plants of yesteryear and enjoy the magnificent views over the rooftops of the town to the Palace and church.