Tour
Culross
An
attractive example of an old Scottish burgh in W Fife, situated
on the River Forth 7 miles (11 km) west of Dunfermline.
Created a royal burgh in 1588, Culross was the legendary
birthplace of St Kentigern (or St Mungo). An abbey was founded
here in 1217 by Malcolm, 7th earl of Fife, and during the
17th century salt panning, coal mining, weaving and trade
with the Low Countries from the foreshore port of Sandhaven
were developed, chiefly by the enterprising local merchant
Sir George Bruce. Another famous product of the town at
that time was the iron baking girdle.
The town is rich in 17th and 18th century cobbled lanes
and buildings, many of which have been restored by the National
Trust for Scotland. Amongst the main historic landmarks
are: The Palace, built by Sir George Bruce in the 16th century;
13th-century Culross Abbey, a Cistercian foundation; the
Town House (1626); and The Study (1633) with its corbelled
top storey.
