Falkland, Fife

Falkland is a town and former royal burgh, formerly known as the Parish of Kilgour c1300AD in Fife, Scotland at the foot of the Lomond Hills.

According to the 2006 population estimate, the village has a population of 1,189. ^[1]

History

The conservation village is best known as the location of Falkland Palace, begun in 1500 by James IV, and the best example of French-influenced Renaissance architecture in the United Kingdom. The palace was built to accommodate the royal Court when they came to Falkland to hunt in the nearby forests; Mary, Queen of Scots, was a frequent visitor.

Whilst Oliver Cromwell's troops didn't directly damage the palace, a fire in 1654 destroyed the East Range. The Court never returned to Falkland Palace after 1665 and until the 19th century the village and palace were neglected. In the late 19th century extensive rebuilding and restoration work began. Today the palace and gardens are open to the public through the National Trust for Scotland.

Weaving was a major local means of employment from the late 19th century until as recently as the mid 1970s.

The village's coat of arms shows a stag under an oak tree.

Other features of the village include an old horse market, also including the Falkland Cricket Club, and the Falkland Golf Club.

References

^ "Population Estimates for Towns and Villages in Fife" (PDF). Fife Council. 2008. Retrieved 2009-05-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

External links

56°15′N 3°12′W / 56.250°N 3.200°W / 56.250; -3.200

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[Population_Estimates-1] "Population Estimates for Towns and Villages in Fife" (PDF). Fife Council. 2008. Retrieved 2009-05-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

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