St. Andrews

Virtual Reality Tour

3-D Map
St Andrews CD-ROM
Town
University
Golf
History
People
Attractions
Fife
News
Accommodation
Dining
Online Shop
Businesses
Discounts
Screen Saver
Bulletin Board
Greeting Cards
Quiz
Misc.
What's New
Search

Help

  St. Andrews ... History

[an error occurred while processing this directive]St. Andrews has over a thousand years of history evident to the visitor. The following brief history of St. Andrews, interactive 2-dimensional and linear time-lines should help to put it all in context, and aid in finding corresponding places in town or this guide.

A Brief History of St. Andrews by Raymond Lamont-Brown and Dr. Frank G. Riddell See also Lamont-Brown's book "The Life and Times of St. Andrews".

A 2-dimensional depiction of St.Andrews' history has been produced by Nick Halpin et al. which clearly groups the events surrounding the history of the town as it relates to Church, Town, University and Golf. Click here to view - used by permission.

-- Time Line --

573 - 600	St Regulus, Columban Missionary. [conjectural]
732-761	Relics of St. Andrew.
761-908	Culdee Community establishes Church of St. Mary on the Rock.
1071	Queen Margaret escaped across the River Forth, from forces of William the Conqueror. In gratitude she thereafter granted free passage by "Queens ferry" to pilgrims to St. Andrews.
1161	Construction of St. Andrews Cathedral was begun by Bishop Arnold.
1203	The original castle was constructed by Bishop Roger as a fortress and ecclesiastical residence.
1318	Consecration of the cathedral on July 5th by Bishop Lamberton in the presence of King Robert the Bruce, who allegedly rode his horse up the central aisle.
1378	Fire consumes a large part of the cathedral, the cathedral choir and transepts
1409	Severe storms damage the cathedral's south transept and the harbour.
1411	Founding of the University by Papal Bull from Pope Gregory. The founder was Bishop Henry Wardlaw.
1413	St. Leonard's Chapel was built as a parish church.
1432	King James I, places the University under his personal protection, exempting its members from taxation.
1433	Paul Craw becomes the first person to be burned at the stake in St. Andrews, in Market Street.
1457	An act of the Scottish Parliament prohibits the playing of golf on Sunday in favour of archery and church attendance.
1528	Patrick Hamilton burned at the stake outside St. Salvators
1546	George Wishart burned at stake outside castle. Cardinal David Beaton murdered in revenge. Protestants take control of the castle and hold it for about a year, while the Earl of Arran leads the seige including the use of a mine.
1547	Seige of the castle ends under bombardment from the French fleet. John Knox and the other defenders are sent imprisoned to France. John Hamilton, son of the Earl of Arran, becomes bishop of St. Andrews.
1558	Walter Myln is martyred in St. Andrews.
1559	St. Andrews Cathedral is sacked by a protestant mob, incited by the preaching of John Knox.
1613	King James VI makes a generous gift of books to the university, and then refuses to pay for them.
1620	King James VI confirms St. Andrews as a Royal Burgh.
1679	Archbishop James Sharp was murdered by covenanters on his way to St.Andrews at Magus Muir. A previous sniping attempt on his life had failed in 1668.
1754	Establishment of the Society of St. Andrews Golfers, the predecessor of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers is actually ten years older.
1800	John Honey, a student, swims out to the wreck of the sailing vessel "Janet" and rescues the five sailors.
1832	Madras College is founded by Dr. Andrew Bell, using principles he derived while in Madras, India. The school opened in 1833.
1834	William III of Scotland confers on the Society of St. Andrews Golfers the title The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
1842	Martyrs Monument on the scores is erected to commemorate the Protestant martyrs Paul Craw (1433), Patrick Hamilton (1528), Henry Forrest (1533) George Wishart (1546) and Walter Myln (1558).
1868	The first recorded "hole in one" is made by Young Tom Morris during the Open Championship at Prestwick. He won the championship four years in a row; a feat which has not been equalled.
1877	St. Leonard's School for Girls is founded. The efforts to established the school being led by Miss Louisa Lumsden who became the first headmistress.
1897	The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews is recognized as the governing body for the rules of golf.
1933	The first Byre Theatre is established in an old cow shed (byre).
1995	Scotland's golfers win the Alfred Dunhill Cup. Constantino Rocca sinks a 65 foot putt on the 18th green of the Old Course, to force a tie breaker for the British Open, which his opponent, John Daly, then goes on to win.
	Further Reading

See Also:

A Brief History of St Andrews

Scotland: Notable Dates in History

A Brief History of Scotland

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Copyright © 1999,2000 Atlantic Networks, Inc. All Rights Reserved.