The 1st December gathering of Anstruther Rotary Club was an open meeting; the club being delighted to welcome friends to an illustrated talk by club member, Professor Anthony Lodge.
The club has now settled into its new meeting venue at the Rockies Restaurant, Anstruther and, having as usual dined well, was treated to what is likely to be just the first instalment of the intriguing history of Pittenweem Priory.
Setting the scene with a sketch of Pittenweem 1,000 years ago, Tony discussed the effects on population growth of the warm and benign climate of Western Europe from the 11th century. King David I apparently played an important part in the establishment of towns such as Pittenweem, to provide needed accommodation.
Against this backdrop a Benedictine community from Reading in England was invited to establish a base on the Isle of May - with lands around Pittenweem gifted to support themselves. However dangers from pirates and other marauders ultimately led the community to relocate to Pittenweem and to allegiance with the Augustinians of St Andrews Priory.
The story continued with some history of the hermit’s cave and then on to the layout of the Priory within Pittenweem. This made reference to walls, gatehouse, engraved coats of arms and other remains and to a plan of the 12th century layout of the High Street land divisions - still apparent today.
It was interesting to digress to the politics of those times. Ranging back and forth across the centuries we heard of the tensions leading to Bannockburn – and then, with a Pittenweem Priory link, to the role of Andrew Foreman Scottish diplomat and prelate. He was Archbishop of Bourges in France and of St Andrews. Tony commented on that French dimension and of Archbishop Foreman’s likely influence on King James IV and the resultant battle of Flodden Field.
Altogether much to ponder on the turbulent times shaping what is today an historic, picturesque and peaceful corner of Fife. With thoughts of another instalment to come Eric Govan proposed an appreciative vote of thanks.
