English forces under Edward I built a timber palisade, the Peel, in 1302, designed by Master James of St George. After a fire partly destroyed the town in 1424, James I began rebuilding the site as a residence rather than a fortress. James III and James IV added to it until it became a formal courtyard palace, and James V added the outer gateway and courtyard fountain in the 1530s.
James Hamilton of Finnart renewed the south facade. The north range collapsed on September 6, 1607 and was rebuilt from 1618 to 1622, with James Murray of Kilbaberton as architect. The Great Hall hosted a parliament in December 1585.
Mary, Queen of Scots was born here in December 1542. The Duke of Cumberland's army destroyed most buildings when a fire started in 1746. The palace is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open year-round, usually with a charge.
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