Earlsferry, an ancient Scottish village, played a key role in the St. Andrew’s Way, the pilgrimage route to the shrine of St. Andrew at St. Andrews. From the mid-12th century, the Earls of Fife established a ferry service across the Firth of Forth from Earlsferry to North Berwick to facilitate the passage of pilgrims. This ferry gave the town its name and made it an important stop on the pilgrimage route. In addition, a small chapel was built at Chapel Ness for the use of pilgrims, the remains of which are still preserved. Earlsferry was promoted to royal burgh by King Robert II in 1373, which boosted its commercial development until the eighteenth century.
Although Earlsferry’s port activity and importance declined after the Scottish Reformation and the end of pilgrimages, the town’s legacy as part of the St. Andrew’s Way remains significant.
- Address
Earlsferry, Leven, UK - Web
None - Visiting Hours
Always open - What to see
Ruins of medieval chapel
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