St Monance Fife
St Monans is a town in the East Neuk of Fife named for the legendary saint Monan. Situated approximately 3 miles west of Anstruther, this small picturesque fishing community rests on a hill overlooking the Firth of Forth Estuary, with views over to North Berwick, the Bass Rock and the Isle of May. St Monans contains many historical buildings, most notably the now defunct Windmill that once powered a salt-mining industry, and a 14th century church that sits on the jagged cliffs above the water on the western side. Approximately 1/2 mile west of St Monans, are the remains of the once great Newark Castle, a 16th century manor that has since fallen to ruin through cliff erosion and disrepair. In 2002 with the permission of Historic Scotland, an attempt to restore the castle was made however for whatever reason was unsuccessful (if anyone knows why please feel free to add that in). St Monans church is situated within its kirkyard just to the west of the village on the very edge of the sea. It is indeed said to be the church nearest the sea in the whole of Scotland. The church, one of the finest remaining from the Middle Ages in Scotland, was built by King David II Bruce (1329-71), initially for a small house of Dominican Friars. It later became the parish church. Though the church may never have been finished (it lacks a nave), it has many features of architectural interest, notably the fine stone vaulting in the choir and the simple but handsome sedilia. White-washed throughout internally, the church is particularly light and attractive among ancient Scottish churches. St Monans is home to many businesses, of which fish merchants and fish-smokehouses are most abundant, however you will also find Miller Ship Chandlers who have a large grey workshop sitting on the harbour, The Seafood Restaurant, The Mayview Hotel, a selection of convenience stores and an internet cafe, the East Neuk Veterinary Clinic and there are one or two driving schools based in St Monans too. Ther
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Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
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Keywords: architechture, british, building, burgh, christian, church, east, firth, fishing, harbours, isles, kingdom, landmark, neuk, outer, places, religon, royal, scotland, scottish, spire, steeple, tourism, tower, travel, uk, united, worship
