Greyfriars
Greyfriars
The properties on Greyfriars Gardens were built during the nineteenth century, as part of the Victorian expansion of St Andrews. However, the name "Greyfriars" reflects the earlier history of this site. In 1458 Bishop James Kennedy founded a Franciscan friary roughly where Greyfriars Gardens now runs. The Franciscans (or Grey Friars) are a Catholic religious order established by St Francis of Assisi in the early thirteenth century. They are particularly concerned about caring for the poor, and the order had a presence in many medieval towns. Following the Scottish Reformation the St Andrews' Grey Friars went into exile in the Netherlands. The friary buildings were demolished, and the area turned into crofts and gardens. Nowadays, the only part of the friary visible aboveground is the well, which is located in a private garden on the west side of the street.
Street View
Additional Information
Location: Greyfriars Gardens. Date Built: Fifteenth century.
The Franciscans were very worried about the corrupting effects of wealth. As a result they did not have large estates but relied on gifts of money and food.
In 2012 medieval skeletons were unearthed during road works on Greyfriars Gardens. They were probably from the graveyard accompanying the friary church.
The Franciscans were popular with a number of the Stewart kings. Both James IV and James V of Scotland made donations to the St Andrews Franciscans.
The wall along the back of the gardens on the west side of Greyfriars Gardens may run along the old western boundary of the friary.