<Click Here for more information on the history of the Priory>
This is an extract from the booklet ‘Pittenweem Priory and its Gatehouse’ by Prof Anthony Lodge published in 2019. The full version including section 2 ‘The Priory buildings’ can be viewed in the attachment below.
Pittenweem Priory its Gatehouse.pdf [8.65Mb]
Prof Lodge’s complete history of the Priory is available in his 2020 book ‘Pittenweem Priory’ published by Strathmartine Press. Both publications are the result of detailed research into original sources, principally from St Andrews University's archive of church records and charters.
The Preservation Society’s project for the three interpretive panels around the precinct of Pittenweem Priory was completed in October 2025. QR link set up and website design is by pcHelp www.computer-repair-fife.com
The panels are located around the perimeter of the Priory, with each panel covering a particular aspect of its history, i.e.
| Sacred Foundations shows the timeline from the original 8th century celtic monastery on May Island, with Pittenweem first as its onshore base, then in the 11th century Pittenweem becoming a Cluniac monastery and in the 14th century an Augustinian monastery. |  |
| Lost Priory illustrates the buildings that were lost, including cloister, nave, sacristy and ceremonial entrance. Also explains the Reformation era buildings that replaced them, i.e. the 16th century Tolbooth and Parish Church and the 19th century St John’s Episcopal Church. |  |
| Priory Life illustrates the important residential elements of the monastery that remain, including the Fortified Gatehouse, the Prior’s Lodging and the Great House, originally the chapter house, dormitory and refectory. The panel also explains the important national figures who were its Priors and its post Reformation owners. |  |
| To view the full content of the panels, Click below to expand | ||
 |
 |
 |
Sponsorship for the panels project provided by : East Neuk of Fife Preservation Society, Fife Council NE Fife Local Community Planning Budget, Fife Council Pittenweem Common Good Fund, Fife Environment Trust, Helen Main Trust, Kinburn Trust, Norah Webber Trust, pcHelp, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh.
