The doors of St. Andrews

On By Michele LeeIn Prose

“Architecture is the triumph of human imagination over materials, methods, and men.”
— Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Thank you for visiting. For the first time, I am joining “Thursday Doors,” hosted by Dan Antion at nofacilities.com. Sharing my photos from St. Andrews, Scotland and a quote from Scottish architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh (7 June 1868 – 10 December 1928). Born in Glasgow, Mackintosh was also a designer, water colorist, and artist who is considered among the most important figures of the Modern Style. I’ve selected Mackintosh’s quote for its relevance and his nationality, not for his affiliation with architectural or design work in St. Andrews (town or university), which I found no evidence of.

St Andrews is a historic town on Scotland’s east coast, renowned not only for its university and golf, but also for its striking architecture spanning many centuries. Although I don’t mind a round of golf on a cool desert day, my skill level (or lack thereof) will never qualify me to play the prestigious St. Andrews course (the oldest golf course in the world). I did enjoy exploring and photographing the town, a friendly walkable one.

Here are some notes and details about the town, for those interested in architecture and history:

St Andrews Cathedral (started in 1158) Style: Romanesque transitioning into Gothic Architect: Unknown medieval masons and church builders Notes: Once the largest church in Scotland, now a dramatic ruin. Features include St Rule’s Tower and intricate stonework.

St Andrews Castle (13th century origins) Style: Medieval fortress architecture Architect: Unknown Notes: Former residence of bishops and archbishops. Known for its bottle dungeon and siege tunnels.

St Salvator’s Chapel (University of St Andrews) (Founded 1450; Gothic Revival restorations in the 19th century) Style: Late Gothic Architect: Original unknown; 19th-century restoration by James Gillespie Graham Notes: A centerpiece of the University and still in active use.

Madras College (Built 1833) Style: Classical with Scottish Baronial influence Architect: William Burn Notes: Founded by Rev. Andrew Bell; an important educational institution.

St Salvator’s Hall (University Residence) (Built 1930) Style: Arts and Crafts with Gothic elements Architect: Sir Robert Lorimer Notes: A notable example of early 20th-century collegiate architecture.

University Library (Historic Building) (Various phases from the 17th century onward) Style: Mixed Architect: Various Notes: Contains historic reading rooms and a blend of classical and modern influences.

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119 thoughts on “The doors of St. Andrews”

  1. I loved visiting St. Andrews. There is a an all over feeling of heritage (Of course I’m half Scot) that few places have to the same degree. The buildings and the ruins all spoke to me as if I had ridden through here a thousand years ago. Thanks for sharing your doors, Michele.

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    1. Maybe you did! ✨ With your Scottish heritage, it’s wonderful that you’ve spent time there. I found the St. Andrews Cathedral most fascinating. You’re very welcome, John and thank you for appreciating!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, trE! So many beautiful doors in Scotland and other places I’ve visited. I hope to contribute again. Hope I’ve done this first one correctly. 🤞🏻😄 Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      4. love the quote on architecture that opens so many gates of understanding the art….

        .Great pics 🎉🎉🎉

        Have a fabulous weekend ,Michele

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    1. You’re most welcome, Nancy. For me, it is an absolute pleasure to do so, and a dream come true to visit the places I’ve long dreamed of (and read about). Thank you very much for appreciating our efforts, and for sharing your wonderful writing and stories with us! 👏🏻📝😊

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  12. I’m glad to see you joining Thrusday Doors, Michele! I love all the doors and the quote you included. My daughter went to St. Andrews for summer school, the summer before Prince William started there. She said the girls were giggling about Prince William’s coming!

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    1. Thank you for the lovely welcome and story, Miriam. How wonderful for your daughter. Did she enjoy her time there? I can imagine the girls giggling about that news. I took a photo of the cafe where “Where Kate met Wills (for coffee)” the window reads but chose to not share it in this post. Maybe another. 🤔 Thanks again – I’ll spend some time tomorrow exploring other window posts.

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  13. She had a great time there and got a chance to see the castles. That’s how I got the idea that I want to see the castles in Scotland. Still hoping! She went to Salzburg another summer and went to the site that filmed the Sound of Music. Eventually hubby and I went to Germany and Austria (Salzburg and Vienna), but didn’t go to the movie site.

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  14. there’s something quietly magical about doors. your beautiful pictures make me wonder what stories wait just on the other side. each one feels like it’s guarding a little world of its own.

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  15. Thanks for joining us at Thursday Doors, and for sharing some wonderful photos. I love the doors in those stone entrances, especially the black ones. I also appreciate the history and information you included (and I love that quote!)

    I hope you have a great weekend!

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  18. Hi Michele
    Seeing these doors, you immediately know you are in Scotland. I think how the door and wall look together is typically Scottish.
    We visited the Hill House. A house Mackintosh designed. We had the feeling we could live in it today. Of course, with the thrill of the haunted library.
    Thanks for sharing
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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    1. Hello and thank you for the comment. I did a quick search of the Hill House. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing and yes, a haunted library would be fabulous! 👻 Kind regards. 🙏🏻

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  19. I love Doors, Michele, …as so many have commented, …they’re filled to the brim with history and I wonder how many stories could they tell? … I’d love to open every door I could, …but I’d get arrested, … so I’ll just stare, …and let imagination do the rest, …hope your days been a ‘door’ filled adventurous time, …💙

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    1. lol Please don’t get arrested! Our curious and creative natures may compel us to seek and explore, but don’t walk through that door! 😄 The imagination does wonders and doors evoke endless possibilities, yes! 💫 Thanks so much, Penn. My mind is now a flood of “knock knock” jokes. 😁

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      1. Ooo, Michele,…I love knock knock jokes, …the more childish the better,… Keeps me entertained for hours, … and I promise to contain myself, … yes Penn, try to control yourself, …💙

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  20. That’s a beautiful quote, and so many beautiful doors from St. Andrews. When I lived in Edinburgh, it was one of the places I visited the most, as it offered a perfect balance of seaside haven and thriving university town, plus there were heaps of rich history and medieval ruins. A few months ago, I visited Glasgow and loved seeing many buildings designed by Mackintosh, including the Glasgow School of Art and Queen’s Cross Church. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. How wonderful! Thank you for sharing your experience in Glasgow and highlights from Edinburgh. I hope to return with more time in Glasgow. 😊 Delighted by your visit and a beautiful day to you, Aiva. xx 🌼

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  24. So wonderful post and written lines beautifully 🌷🙏✍️❤️ All those colourful windows and doors , magnificent memories of the past , and we Tribute the carpenters who made them 👌💐🙏 everlasting Scottish heritage 🤩
    Thank you so much for sharing my dearest friend and happy weekend wishes with much love 💕 👏

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    1. Thank you for acknowledging the talented carpenters, dear Thattamma, ever thoughtful and kind. I hope your weekend brought you happy moments. Thank you for adding smiles to mine. 😊💕

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    1. Best wishes to you in visiting, a most beautiful and inspiring destination. Thank you for stopping by here and sharing your favorite door. A blue door does make a lovely first impression. 👍🏻

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    1. Sounds like a fun quest you’re on, albeit a challenging one, to find the “right” one. Yes, to a good solid door! 🚪Thanks for the visit, Coach. Hope you’re enjoying your birthday weekend! 🌠

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    1. Oh yes, the sea front was sublime. Loved my time there. I had fish and chips in the City of Inverness. Divine! Nothing I could ever find in the Sonoran Desert. 😆 Thank you so much for the comment!

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