St Andrews Cathedral
http://www.scotland-placestovisit.com/twv//articles/215/1/St-Andrews-Cathedral-/Page1.html
By Vikara
Published on 29/05/2009
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St Andrews Cathedral has lain in ruins for several hundred years but is still worth a visit because of its place in Scottish history. It is said that relics of St Andrew were brought to Fife by Bishop Acca of Hexam in 732AD.
There are a number of churches within the arms of the cathedral - the now barely visible church of St Mary, St Rule's Church, of which the St Rule's Tower remains. It is one hundred feet high and is classed as one of St Andrews' major landmarks.
It was only when these churches were deemed to be too small that a decision was made to build the largest cathedral in Scotland. Work started in 1160 and was completed one hundred and fifty years later. It was consecrated in the presence of Robert the Bruce in 1318.
Substantial architectural fragments stand beyond the church and cloisters. These include the Pends Gate and much of the precinct wall. Outside the precinct wall on a ledge overlooking the sea are the foundations of the church of St Mary on the Rock, St Mary Kirkheugh, and this spot is thought to mark the site of the first church.
During the years, the cathedral suffered from misfortune. The nave collapsed in the year 1270, the English removed the lead from the roof for ammunition during the Wars of Independence, fire badly damaged it in 1378 and the south transept was blown down by a storm in 1409. But it was the Reformation that brought about the cathedral's demise.
John Knox preached a fiery sermon in St Andrews parish church in 1559, and the cathedral was cleansed as a result. It was abandoned in 1561 and replaced by the parish church as the chief place of worship. The cathedral was then left to fall into ruin.
The Cathedral Museum has an outstanding collection of early-Christian and medieval carved stones as well as a fine collection of post-Reformation memorials. Pride of place is a masterpiece of 8th Century Pictish sculpture, the St Andrews sarcophagus.
Opening Times
Summer - 1st April to 30th September, weekly 9.30am - 5.30pm
Winter - 1st October to 31st March, weekly 9.30am - 4.30pm
Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Contact directly for New Year opening times.
The last ticket is sold thirty minutes before closing time. Please note St Rule's tower closes at 3pm in December & January due to light conditions. Some of the smaller monuments may close for a short period over lunch. Please telephone to check.
Prices
St Andrews Cathedral - Adult £4.20 Child £2.10 Concession £3.20
St Andrews Cathedral and Castle Adult £7.20 Child £3.60 Concession £5.20
St Andrews Cathedral & St Rule's Tower
St Andrews
Fife
Telephone - 01334 472563
E-mail - hs.website@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Visit website.
Photograph Courtesy of Jjhake.
St Andrews Cathedral has lain in ruins
for several hundred years but is still worth a visit because of its
place in Scottish history. It is said that relics of St Andrew
were brought to Fife by Bishop Acca of Hexam in 732AD. There are a
number of churches within the arms of the cathedral - the now barely
visible church of St Mary, St Rule's Church, of which the St Rule's
Tower remains.
If you've visited this attraction/activity, please remember to leave a comment. Thanks! St Andrews Cathedral has lain in ruins for several hundred years but is still worth a visit because of its place in Scottish history. It is said that relics of St Andrew were brought to Fife by Bishop Acca of Hexam in 732AD.
There are a number of churches within the arms of the cathedral - the now barely visible church of St Mary, St Rule's Church, of which the St Rule's Tower remains. It is one hundred feet high and is classed as one of St Andrews' major landmarks.
It was only when these churches were deemed to be too small that a decision was made to build the largest cathedral in Scotland. Work started in 1160 and was completed one hundred and fifty years later. It was consecrated in the presence of Robert the Bruce in 1318.
Substantial architectural fragments stand beyond the church and cloisters. These include the Pends Gate and much of the precinct wall. Outside the precinct wall on a ledge overlooking the sea are the foundations of the church of St Mary on the Rock, St Mary Kirkheugh, and this spot is thought to mark the site of the first church.
During the years, the cathedral suffered from misfortune. The nave collapsed in the year 1270, the English removed the lead from the roof for ammunition during the Wars of Independence, fire badly damaged it in 1378 and the south transept was blown down by a storm in 1409. But it was the Reformation that brought about the cathedral's demise.
John Knox preached a fiery sermon in St Andrews parish church in 1559, and the cathedral was cleansed as a result. It was abandoned in 1561 and replaced by the parish church as the chief place of worship. The cathedral was then left to fall into ruin.
The Cathedral Museum has an outstanding collection of early-Christian and medieval carved stones as well as a fine collection of post-Reformation memorials. Pride of place is a masterpiece of 8th Century Pictish sculpture, the St Andrews sarcophagus.
Opening Times
Summer - 1st April to 30th September, weekly 9.30am - 5.30pm
Winter - 1st October to 31st March, weekly 9.30am - 4.30pm
Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Contact directly for New Year opening times.
The last ticket is sold thirty minutes before closing time. Please note St Rule's tower closes at 3pm in December & January due to light conditions. Some of the smaller monuments may close for a short period over lunch. Please telephone to check.
Prices
St Andrews Cathedral - Adult £4.20 Child £2.10 Concession £3.20
St Andrews Cathedral and Castle Adult £7.20 Child £3.60 Concession £5.20
St Andrews Cathedral & St Rule's Tower
St Andrews
Fife
Telephone - 01334 472563
E-mail - hs.website@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Visit website.
Photograph Courtesy of Jjhake.