St Andrews Historic Trail.

St Andrews Historic Trail.

This St Andrews Historic Trail will guide you around St Andrews, by number for the important places, where significant events occurred, which makes ST Andrews what it is today.  The Historic Trail takes you through the centre of St Andrews where you will find an abundance of shops, restaurants and cafes to tempt you.

Refer to the number on the St Andrews map for directions. EG.

1.            St Andrews Harbour.

The harbour played an important role in the development of St Andrews where on occasion hundreds of vessels from all parts of the Continent crowded in to the harbour and bay.  The pier was built in 1656 replacing a wooden pier.

2.            The Cathedral or Priory Wall.

This was built in the early 1500's, it is said by some to be the oldest and longest medieval wall in Europe.  It is over a kilometre in length with 16 towers.

3.            St Andrews Cathedral.

This was founded in 1160 taking some 100 years to build by successive Bishops.  Parts collapsed in 1409 and in 1649 The Scottish Parliament authorised use of its stones to fortify the town in 1649.

4.            St Rules Tower.

This is the oldest tower in St Andrews having been built somewhere between the 4th & 9th Century depending on which historic architect you believe.  It is 108 feet high, with an internal stairway giving excellent views over St Andrews.  Token for access can be purchased from the Cathedral Museum.

5.            Old Tom Morris and young Tom Morris's grave.

Old Tom Morris 1821 to 1908, is the most influential figure in the early (pre-1900) history of golf.  He was a great player, club maker, green keeper, ambassador for the sport and course designer.  The 18th green on the Old Course is named in his honour.  The Tom Morris Golf Shop, his old shop, continues to trade today.  It overlooks the 18th green.  He still holds two British Open records:  oldest champion (aged 46 in 1867) and largest margin of victory (13 in 1862).  His son young Tom Morris winner of four British Opens died aged 24.

 

6.            The Pends.

The word is the Scottish word for arch over an entry.  It was the principal entry to the Priory dating from 1340.  Its purpose was to control entry to the Priory.

7.            St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum & Garden.

Built in the late 1600s, this charming house contains a wealth of material on St Andrews and its people.  Admission Free.

8.            St Andrews Castle.

This castle was built by Bishop Roger in 1200.  It was the St Andrews Episcopal Palace for 400 years.  The Sea Tower contains a dungeon.  There is also an excellent example of a mine and counter mine dating back to 1547.

9.            Museum of the University of St Andrews.

This displays artefacts from an exciting and diverse collection relating to the history, personalities and teaching practices of Scotland's oldest University.  Admission Free.

10.          The British Golf Museum.

This houses the largest collection of golfing memorabilia in Europe with imaginative exhibitions, hands on activities & stunning multimedia displays.  There is something to entertain everyone at this 5 star museum.

11.          The Royal and Ancient Club House.

The Royal and Ancient has played an important part in the evolution of the game of golf throughout the world.  Its Rules of Golf Committee controls the rules worldwide except for the USA, Canada and Mexico.

12.          The Old Course.

The oldest and world's best known golf course.  It is the home of golf, where golf has been played for more than 600 years and yet it remains a real test for today's championship golfers.  Despite its reputation and status, it is a public course and open to all.

13.          The Swilken Burn Bridge.

Golfers cross the famous Swilken Burn Bridge on their way to the 18th green on the Old Course.  It is probably one of the most photographed golf sites in the world.  The little stone bridge of Roman design was originally built to allow the towns folk to cross the burn.  The Swilken burn provides the only water hazard on the Old Course.

14.          Tom Morris's House.

Look for the plaque above the door.

 

15.          St Salvator's Tower.

Is the highest spire in St Andrews, 124 feet (38m) high.  It was built in 1550.  It is the entrance to the University of St Andrews.  St Salvatore's College.  The French took a canon up the tower to bombard St Andrews Castle in 1547.

16.          St Andrews Museum.

A - Z exhibition telling the story of the town with objects and images from the museum's collection.  Admission Free.

17.          West Port.

One of the best surviving examples of an Old Scottish City Gate.  It dates from the early 1500s.  King David I on horseback is carved on the west side and St Andrews Coat of Arms is on the east side of the arch.

18.          Blackfriars Chapel.

Today you can see the surviving part of the Chapel built in 1525, by Dominican Friars known as Blackfriars.  It suffered at the hands of the mob after John Knox's sermon on the 11th June 1559, who pulled it down.

19.          St Andrews University.

Founded in 1413, it is Scotland's oldest University only being preceded by Oxford and Cambridge in England.  The University is located throughout St Andrews.  St Salvator and the College of St Mary has superb examples of early architecture.  Famous students include Prince William (future King of Great Britain) and Kate Middleton (future Queen of Great Britain).