St Athernase Church, Leuchars

St Athernase Church is a Norman church in Leuchars that features a half-round apse with a chancel decorated with intricate architectural details. Blind arcading and Norman arches cover the exterior walls, creating an elaborate stone composition.

Robert de Quinci built this church between 1183 and 1187, during the same period when he was constructing the nearby Leuchars Castle. Both projects reflect the power and influence this family held in the region during that era.

Three memorial stones from the 16th century honor the Bruce family of Earlshall, with carvings that show details of women's clothing from that era. These monuments give visitors a window into the lives of the local nobility of their time.

The church welcomes visitors from March through October, with Sunday services held regularly throughout the year. Plan your visit during the warmer months when the building is most accessible to the public.

Mason marks carved into the interior stones show similarities with those found at Durham Cathedral, suggesting a possible connection between craftsmen working at these Norman sites. These small carved symbols offer clues about the networks that linked medieval builders across England and Scotland.

Location: Fife

Location: Leuchars

Architectural style: Norman architecture

Website: http://leucharsstathernase.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 56.38168,-2.88347

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24