Old Manor Country House

An Ancient University Town

by gfoley

The oldest building of the University, as far as I know, is the St.Salvators College Chapel from about 1450. The University was chartered by the Pope in 1412, at the behest of the Bishop of Sr.Andrews. The town goes back at least several hundred years earlier, although it is doubtful if it is actually the place that St. Andrew came to Scotland. It was the ecclestiastical capital until the reformation. The town was taken by Protestants, including John Knox. He was captured by a French fleet, and spent about a decade in French galleys until he returned to Scotland to found the Presbyterian Church.

The great Cathedral, built in the 14th Century, fell down in the 17th century after the Town Council, in dire need of funds, sold the lead from the roof. Many carved stones were taken from the ruins, and can be seen as part of walls and houses around the town.

The famed golf couse, the Old course, is owned by the town but leased for much of the time to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, which sets the rules for British golf. These form the basis for the rules of the game around the world. The Britsh Open and Amateur tournaments are frequemtly held on these links . Another municipal course, the New course, lies between the Old Course and the North Sea. My senior year, in 1937, brought me more close friendships that I had enjoyed in my earlier years at the University. In general, this quitet old city, off the beaten track, adds to the friendliness and hospitality one finds everywhere in Scotland.

St Andrews Cathedral information

by Ash59

St Andrews is, of course, synonymous with Scotland’s patron saint. St Andrew converted the wife of a roman governor of Greece. The governor was so furious of his wife’s conversion that he had Andrew crucified. Andrew asked to be tied to an X shaped cross so as not to emulate Jesus – thus giving the Scottish flag its distinctive Saltire Cross.

A monk called Rule who lived in Greece was reputedly divinely inspired to take some of the Apostles’ bones and make a journey to the west. He ended up shipwrecked at St Andrews and enshrined the sacred relics where the ruin of the 12th century Cathedral now stands.

St. Rule's Tower

by galy

St. Rule's Tower, or as people sometimes referred to as the Square Tower standsat the Cthedral area. It affords a wonderful panoramic view over the town and harbour and to the surrounding countryside. It is more then 36 m' high and has 151 steps from bottom to top. To enter the tower you are required to purchase an entrance token at the cathedral visitor centre. The climb to the top of the tower is via a rather narrow and steep spiral staircase on which it is difficult to pass those headed in the opposite direction. Don't give uo easily, the view is well worth the effort.

Dunfermline Palace

by stevezero

Adjacent to the Abbey of Dunfermline, are the remains of the once magnificent Palace of Dunfermline.
These were the once royal lodgings which developed into a royal palace, where King Charles I was born.
From the palace ruins you get stunning views of the wooded glen below

In care of Historic Scotland
Admission Charge - Adult £2.50 (joint ticket with abbey)

St. Andrews

by Monza_dh

"The Ruins"

Wow was I impressed with St. Andrews. I first thought it be just a golf mecca with the A&H Golf Association but there is much more to it than that. The catherdral ruins are spectacular, miles of beach and tons of pubs and shops, and the University make it a lively place.

"Golf anyone?"

I didn't have the chance to golf, though I wish I did now, but just walking the grounds and checking out the views and small golf shops in the area was great.

"Great Pub"

This was my favorite pub in town. The bar is magnificant and the food, well, I don't remember the food, sorry.