Graveyard on Greyfriars

Living on Greyfriars next year? Ever drunkenly stumbled down it from the Vic or the Union? Do you slyly withdraw at the cash point here in order to avoid all those ignoramuses who queue in front of Tesco?

Well, you’d better make sure you behave yourself, or the ghosts of Franciscan monks will get you…

Not only have the road works on Greyfriars awoken many-a-student and disrupted a much-loved route from Beanscene to Taste, but they’ve also dredged up the poor bones of the unsuspecting dead. (Requiescat in pace).

I’m sure you’ll be overjoyed to hear that the works will be prolonged further on account of the find, which is a relic of St Andrews’ ancient history and a poignant symbol of its pious origins.

An Archaeologist from Fife Council has said that the remains must be treated with the utmost dignity and the site has been closed off to passers-by. However, he is extremely excited that some horrified road worker may have uncovered the burial site of the friary of Observant Franciscans, established in the town with the encouragement of Bishop Kennedy in 1458. Further tests will reveal all.

Last summer, a medieval house was discovered during – you guessed it – road works on South Street, along with a whole stash of pottery from the same period.

Who knows what might be dug up next… I know I’ll be sleeping with one eye open.

Photos © Jenny Lindsay