The facade..

is about all that is left of this 15th century gatehouse at the entrance to a priory in Pittenweem.  There is a movement to try and preserve it and the ramshackle little shed that is attached to the other side of it.  I went to a very interesting talk about the priory last evening given in the Episcopal church by a professor of languages (not history) who is a member of the church there... I learnt so much about buildings I have known all my life but didnt know the history.  It seems Pittenweem was well known in medieval times for its Holy water in the cave now named after St Fillan but originally named after St Ethernan or St Adrian and was on the pilgrim route back in the 12th century for monks travelling to the May Island.  It was inhabited by Benedictine monks from Reading of all places!!  but when in the 15th century things became tricky they kicked out the Benedictines and moved in some Augustinian monks instead!!  The Priory was rich and owned a lot of land... James Kennedy was one of the richest inhabitants and had the largest ship afloat which did a lot of trade in and out of Pittenweem from at least as far afield as France and probably further!  A few of the medieval buildings remain ... the great hall is the one we didnt get to see inside.. as it is now let to holidaymakers..
I will post a picture of the other side of the Gatehouse in my extra photos and also one of the inside of St Fillans cave.. to the left is where St Fillans holy water drips through the ceiling and is believed to heal mental illness and on the right is the altar where they conduct a few services every year