A disciplined Gothic church by Robert Rowand Anderson contains later fittings that extend its architectural story into the twentieth century.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1866; later furnishings
- Architect / designer
- Sir Robert Rowand Anderson; screen by Sir Robert Lorimer
- Type
- Early Pointed Gothic Episcopal church
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB24169)
- OS grid reference
- NO 37617 14613
Architecture and continuing use
The three-bay nave has a single western aisle, clerestory and distinct chancel, all built in squared stone beneath slated roofs. A 1901 pulpit and Lorimer screen enrich the carefully furnished interior.
Its story
The present church replaced an 1820 chapel in 1866. Anderson supplied its Early Pointed form, while later generations commissioned the pulpit and a chancel screen from Robert Lorimer.
Why it is included
Recognised architects, high-quality fittings and living denominational use add a distinct Victorian layer to Cupar's civic centre.
What to notice
- Clerestory windows above the single aisle.
- The transition from nave to chancel.
- Lorimer's screen among the later furnishings.
Reading the surroundings
The congregation publishes service times. Visit through worship or advertised events, entering quietly and respecting pastoral activity.
Timeline
- 1820 An earlier Episcopal chapel established worship on the site.
- 1866 Anderson's larger Gothic church replaced the first building.
- 1901 A finely made pulpit joined the interior furnishings.
- 2026 Regular Eucharist and Matins remain part of the weekly pattern.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Routine tourist opening outside services is not promised by the current directory.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: St James the Great Episcopal Church, Cupar, LB24169 — Designation category, mapped location, date, fabric, authorship and architectural or historical interest.
- Scottish Episcopal Church: St James the Great, Cupar — Current worship, clergy, address and congregation identity.
Location
OS grid reference NO 37617 14613 · Location confidence: High: the statutory designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference and the current source confirms the Place relationship or present identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
Suggest a marker correction
Suggest a more accurate position
The teal marker is the current published position. The orange marker starts slightly to its right so both remain visible; this is only a visual starting position. Tap the correct place on the map or drag the orange marker. Sending this form creates a private review entry only; it does not move the published marker.
Check this area in Google Maps Choose the Satellite layer there if useful.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. You can also enter checked coordinates below.