Pittenweem Priory facts for kids
Pittenweem Priory was an old Augustinian monastery in the village of Pittenweem, Fife, Scotland. It began as a Benedictine community from Reading Abbey in England. This community was first located on the Isle of May. By 1318, it moved to Pittenweem. The priory then came under the control of the Augustinian canons from St Andrews Priory.
Contents
A Look at Pittenweem Priory's Past
The Monastery and Saint Fillan's Cave
In the Middle Ages, Pittenweem Priory was a small monastery. It was connected to another monastery on the Isle of May. The priory was built near an old, special cave linked to Saint Fillan. This cave is in Cove Wynd, which goes down to the harbour. Today, the cave is set up as a chapel. You can visit it, and a key is available nearby.
People say that Saint Fillan lived in this simple cave. From there, he helped to convert the local Pictish people to Christianity. The cave was found again around 1900. This happened when a horse ploughing in the priory garden fell into a hole. Inside the cave, there are flat rocks that might have been beds. There is also a small spring of "holy water" at the back.
Saint Adrian and Early Improvements
A special shrine was built for Saint Adrian on the Isle of May. Some stories say that Saint Adrian's monks helped improve the harbour. They might have laid the groundwork for the local fishing industry. However, there is no clear proof of this today.
Surviving Buildings of the Priory
The Church of Scotland parish kirk (church) stands where the priory church used to be. A large part of the priory's strong east gatehouse still remains. This gatehouse dates back to the 15th century. Also, the 'Great House' is still standing. It is one of Scotland's best-preserved old medieval houses. This building might have been where the prior and monks lived.
In 1972, Pittenweem Priory was officially recognized as a Category A listed building. This means it is a very important historical site.
