Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on (the ruined) St. Andrews Cathedral in Fife, east of Scotland.

History

This university town was the focal point of the Scottish church during the Middle Ages. Consequently, the city and its associated religious community has played an important role on the history of Scotland. Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland probably because a cult grew up around the relics of the saint . This occurred during the 8th century AD . At this time the saint’s relics were, allegedly, interred in a shrine at what is now St. Andrews.

St. Andrews Cathedral Site

The site, in fact, comprises two religious ruins. The first building (from around AD 1123) was St Rule’s Church of which only the tall tower remains  This may have served as a  beacon for pilgrims heading to the shrine of St Andrew.

The Cathedral was begun around AD 1160 and grew to become the pre-eminent church in Scotland.It was originally home to a community of Augustinian canons who had outgrown the facilities at St Rule’s Church. The site extends to 30 acres contained within a substantial medieval wall which remains largely intact today. The completed cathedral was consecrated in 1318. However, the Reformation in 1560  proved a  catalyst for wilful damage and structural decline.The roofs were stripped off and subsequently the building became an effective stone quarry for local building projects. The vacant space was adopted as a burial ground for local people. Hence we are left with the ruins evident today.

The cathedral was laid out using a variant of the standard cross plan for such a major ecclesiastical structure. From a  style perspective the building represented a transition from Romanesque to Gothic.

Video clip of St. Andrews (including Cathedral) from atop St. Rule’s Tower.

Access

Most of the site enjoys free access. Separate fees are payable to enter the visitor centre and climb up St Rule’s Tower.

St. Andrews Castle

Located a short walk away, on the coast. This castle was the power base of the archbishops of St Andrews and hence had a working connection with the nearby Cathedral. The castle is also a visitor attraction managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

More information

Please refer to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland for information on St. Andrews, the Fife Coast and Scotland for the tourist. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.