Emeritus Professor Anthony Lodge, already well-known locally for his interesting talks and guided walks based on the history of Pittenweem Priory, has just published an absorbing and meticulously well-researched and referenced account of the Priory since its founding through to the present day.
The surviving buildings are among the oldest continuously inhabited in Scotland but their history begins in the twelfth century when a monastic establishment was created as a manorial base to serve the priory on the Isle of May, which was itself an offshoot of the Abbey of Reading in Berkshire.
However, this account goes far beyond the buildings themselves, putting them in the context of the development and growth of the settlement of Pittenweem, Wester Anstruther and surrounding area, and in some respects the wider world, socially, economically and of course spiritually.
Packed with facts and in many ways an academic book, Pittenweem Priory, is also an immensely informative book for anyone simply interested in the story of Pittenweem and surrounding area in addition to that of the Priory itself. Familiar names of people and places abound.
The book is illustrated with some fascinating maps, drawings and photographs. It concludes on the optimistic note that there is hopefully more to be discovered and told, but it might involve ‘digging out’ more than facts!
Copies cost £14.99. Pittenweem Community Library and Information Centre has a small stock for sale and will benefit from all sales made. If you would like to buy one please email the library library@pittclic.org.uk to arrange payment and delivery/collection.
