This book, 'The Lords of Dalkeith' and written by Sir Kenneth Scott, is a fascinating overview of the history of Scotland from the early 12th Century to the present day, but all with the focus of Dalkeith Castle or Palace as it became.
Today, of course, the building is known as Dalkeith House. The author traces the history surrounding all the families who have been involved with Dalkeith Palace and it soon becomes clear how intertwined all these families have become.
Sir Kenneth is to be congratulated on his extensive research (a list if the sources he used is at Appendix 2) as this does give the whole book a strong sense of authenticity. For instance, the King, David II confirmed Sir James Douglas of Dalkeith and Morton in the title of 'Lord Dalkeith' but only if he and his heirs, 'delivered to the King a pair of white gloves or a silver penny at the feast of Pentecost'.
The chapter on the Douglases of Dalkeith is followed by the position occupied by the Morton family and the several intrigues that occurred - including the period when Morton took the coronation oath on behalf of the infant King, James VI, who was only thirteen months old. This position of power did not last and Morton was eventually executed in June 1581. With the estates now forfeited to the Crown and the title being transferred, the King often used Dalkeith Palace as a residence and we see how the new Morton family managed to reach positions of responsibility in the Court of James VI.
When the Civil War broke out in England the Earl of Morton was forced to sell Dalkeith Palace to Francis Scott, the second Earl of Buccleuch. With the defeat of the Battle of Preston the Commissioners who were appointed to manage 'the Affairs of Scotland' chose Dalkeith Palace as their headquarters, thus the Palace became the virtual seat of government for Scotland. General George Monck became the in effect the ruler of Scotland and there is an intriguing how the Buccleuch family struggle with the Tweeddale family for position and the custody of the title and the estates.
We hear of the efforts to refurbish Dalkeith Palace by Duchess Anna who was known by her contemporaries as 'a most formidable person'. However, she spent much time and effort on rebuilding and improving the Palace. The first Royal visitor since Charles I, was in 1745 when the Young Pretender, Prince Charles Edward ('Bonnie Prince Charlie') arrived unannounced with his Jacobite army.
Thereafter the Buccleuch family history with its many highlights is described with the roles played by Dukes Francis, Henry and Charles, however, of significant interest is the description of the young Duke Walter Francis, who at the age of sixteen, acted as host to King George IV during his visit to Scotland. This was a most significant event as no British monarch had been to Scotland since King Charles II in 1650. The description of the arrangements that were made for the visit are fascinating to read.
The book brings us up to date with the present Duke and covers all the exploits of the Buccleuch family up to the present day. Chapter nine has some most interesting old archive photographs of the interior of the Palace as it would have been when visited by Queen Victoria and later by the Prince of Wales (later to become Edward VII). All this gives a well rounded account of the history and social position of the family at the time. For those who are interested in history this makes a most informative contribution to the history of Scotland