St Athernase Church, Leuchars, United Kingdom

St Athernase Church is a Romanesque church located in Leuchars. The chancel and half-round apse date from the 12th century with the exterior featuring blind arcades with typical Norman arches. The church was granted by Ness son of William, Lord of Leuchars, to the canons of St Andrews in 1185. Around 1700 a belfry was added, and in 1858 restoration was carried out to the nave.

The church is open to the public in summer, at other times by arrangement. Relics preserved inside include part of a 9th-century cross-slab found near the village (closely comparable to the large collection at St Andrews Cathedral), and three elaborate 16th century memorial stones of the Bruces of Earlshall, the local lairds. One of the latter shows a full length figure of a woman, naive in execution, but valuable in documenting contemporary dress.

References:

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Religious sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

James Waters (2 years ago)
Beautiful building with a cemetery that’s also well worth a look. Loads of very old and fascinating graves, which really gives you a feel for the often sad history of the place.

Chris White (2 years ago)
A beautiful building with an ancient history and a warm and welcoming congregation.

Richard Trewern (2 years ago)
Lovely building, 1198 so it's been there for a while. Visitors come here from all over the world and love it. Come along and visit us.

Derek Haden (3 years ago)
Very enigmatic Church, strange design. Didn't go inside as short of time.

Blair H Smith (3 years ago)
Unexpected ecclesiastic jewel in NE Fife - Norman Church, very recently restored, and active with weekly worship.

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