Royal Burgh of Culross

Heritage Site in Fife

Scotland

Royal Burgh of Culross

Culross Seen from Bo&#039;ness, across the Forth. — Culross Credit: Richard Sutcliffe

The Royal Burgh of Culross is a historic town located in Fife, Scotland. It is designated as a heritage site due to its well-preserved architecture and historical significance. Culross was established as a burgh in the 13th century and was granted royal status by King James VI in 1592.

The town's layout reflects its medieval origins, with narrow cobbled streets and a central market square. Many of the buildings in Culross date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, giving visitors a glimpse into Scotland's past. The most notable structure is Culross Palace, a striking yellow building with a unique mix of architectural styles, including Gothic and Renaissance.

Another prominent feature of the town is Culross Abbey, founded in 1217. The abbey's ruins showcase stunning medieval architecture, including a beautiful rose window. Visitors can explore the abbey grounds and learn about its rich history.

Culross is also known for its well-preserved 17th-century merchant houses, such as the Study and the Townhouse. These buildings provide insight into the lives of the wealthy merchants who once lived in the town.

Beyond its architectural treasures, Culross offers picturesque views of the Firth of Forth and surrounding countryside. The town's location on the banks of the River Forth adds to its charm and appeal.

Overall, the Royal Burgh of Culross is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring Scotland's rich heritage. Its well-preserved buildings, cobbled streets, and stunning natural surroundings make it a truly unique and captivating place to explore.

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Royal Burgh of Culross Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.055/-3.632 or Grid Reference NS9885. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Culross

Seen from Bo'ness, across the Forth.

Richard Sutcliffe

A Humourous Epitaph

This is definitely the most eccentric gravestone I have come across so far. Why it has big stars for ears is the first question that comes to mind - it looks like a Snapchat filter ahead of time. The epitaph took a bit of deciphering but I'm pretty sure the following is a fairly accurate transcription: MY GLASS IS RVN MY TYM IS SPENT AND FOR MY SINS I SHOULD REPENT It is almost unheard of to read anything so light-hearted on a gravestone and it is rather like the dead man is entering the afterlife - though it would seem unlikely he bought into religion too much on the basis of this - with a smile and a wink! There is fresh earth around the stone. This usually signifies that the headstone had become unstable over time and has recently been righted. However it still sits at a jaunty angle. This guy's not just having the last laugh, he seems to be having all the laughs!

Ian Dodds

Ruins in Culross Abbey

David Brown

The Moat Pier

Used for the exportation of coal

David Brown

Fife Coastal Path west of Culross

David Brown

Culross Old Pier

A view of the Culross Old Pier at sunset which has been slowly reconstructed over the years and now extends out almost to its original length. The pier provides an excellent view point for bird watching at low tide and spectacular evening sunset views.

Mr S Mudgey

A985 north of Culross, Fife

Alpin Stewart

A985 north of Culross, Fife

Alpin Stewart

Beech Place, Low Valleyfield

Off Main Street.

JThomas

Old Lodge Houses

These lodges marked the entrance to the former estate of Valleyfield House. Valleyfield House itself was demolished in 1918; the lodges are now listed buildings.

Robert Struthers

Culross National Trust Village: Palace

This is situated in the very top of the square, in the centre. It was taken looking north, with the sea behind the photographer.

Pam Brophy

Culross substation

Even historic places need power, and this was a very tasteful way of meeting community needs without destroying the evident character of the cobble-stoned streets and historic buildings.

Lyall Duffus

Culross Palace Courtyard

Lyall Duffus

Culross old harbour

Culross was a busy port in the 16th and 17th centuries trading coal and salt with the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Denmark. Over the centuries the pier has deteriorated and it is now in a ruinous state. The Culross Development Trust aims to conserve and restore the pier.

Bob Jones

A Fife Farm, nr Blairhall

Farmland near Blairhall and Culross, Fife, with the sunlit Ochil Hills in the distance. Taken from the A985 on a freezing cold November afternoon.

Andrew McEwan

Culross Cemetery.

Although it is called Culross Cemetery it is situated about two miles north of Culross.This view is to the west with Blairhall Mains Farm and The Ochill Hills in the background.

Paul McIlroy