St Andrew’s Cathedral – Pencil
These impressive ruins are over 370 long. This sketch only shows part of the structure which fell into ruin after the Scottish Reformation. The original cathedral was formed in 1158 and was the scene of many historical events until its demise. These days it is worth visiting if only to wonder at the magnificence of the architecture and sheer labour which our ancestors gave to create buildings such as this. To the right of this scene is St Rule’s Tower. It was probably built to allow worship to take place, on this site, while the main cathedral was being built. It is possible to obtain terrific views from the top of the tower.
Jenigems 8:02 am on May 19, 2011 | #
I appreciat this type of architecture! Gorgeous…simply gorgeous.
Feathered Ape 11:30 am on May 19, 2011 | #
St Rule’sTower used to be the ‘jumping off point’ for suicidal students around exam time (at least it was when I was a graduate student there in the 90s). Today, I think the top has been fenced off. Thanks again for another lovely drawing Bob, providing me with a thoughtful trip down memory lane of my happy past life in St Andrews.
Uncle Bob 12:11 pm on May 19, 2011 | #
I appreciate your kindness, Jenigems, by sending your nice comment. If you ever visit St Andrews look for this place as well as St Andrews Castle just along the road from the cathedral. Both feature heavily in Scottish history.
Uncle Bob 12:19 pm on May 19, 2011 | #
Aha, a small world, Feathered. My son was studying at St Andrews about your time and told me the same thing about the tower. At one point it became impossible to actually get into the thing but, I believe, things are more relaxed now. I suppose the students could always use the old harbour pier ( on the last day at the university, and after a night’s celebration, my laddie decided to wander along the pier to watch the sun rising early in the morning for the last time before moving on. – about 4.00am. Trouble was, the local police intercepted him thinking he was fed up with life). I know St Andrews well being Fife born and bred. Earliest memories are the last day of the 1964 Open, won by Tony Lema chased to the end by a young Jack Nicklaus. Happy days.