Linlithgow Palace was originally built as a royal retreat for nobles making the journey between the two cities and thanks to its location next to Linlithgow Loch it would have been both self-sufficient and easily defended. In fact, this prime location has been inhabited for over 2,000 years and Roman remains have been discovered throughout the area, but as a Scottish royal residence it can trace its roots back to the reign of David I in the early 12th-century when the first Scottish palace was built.