Graveyards and Cemeteries of Fife

Fife's burial grounds, graveyards, and cemeteries have many fascinating historical tales, with superstitions attached. Charlotte Golledge explores the history of the royal burials at Dunfermline Abbey and St Andrews Cathedral, as well as the graves of Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris. Lesser-known locations include St Bridgets kirkyard in Dalgety Bay and Tulliallan Old Kirk. This portrait of life and death in Fife over the centuries appeals to residents and visitors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The burial grounds, graveyards, and cemeteries of Fife hold a rich tapestry of historical narratives, often accompanied by intriguing superstitions. These sacred spaces encompass a diverse spectrum of society, from the revered resting places of ancient kings, queens, and saints in Scotland's ancient capital, Dunfermline, to the sole known grave of a witch in the country, situated along the foreshore of the Firth of Forth. In this captivating book, local historian Charlotte Golledge invites readers on a journey through the history of Fife's burial grounds, graveyards, and cemeteries. She delves into the annals of the royal burials at Dunfermline Abbey, where the tombs of Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris, renowned architects of Scotland's iconic golf courses, lie nearby. Lesser-known locations such as the secluded St. Bridget's Kirkyard in Dalgety Bay, where bodysnatchers would row across the River Forth to retrieve freshly buried bodies for the anatomists' table, and the lovingly restored kirkyard at Tulliallan Old Kirk, with gravestones dating back to the seventeenth century, many of which have recently resurfaced, shedding light on the everyday trades of those interred, including maritime connections, come to the fore. Together, these tales weave a captivating portrait of life and death in Fife across centuries, resonating with both residents and visitors to this enchanting region of Scotland.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 164 x 312 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398112025