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Sir Andrew Wood's Tower

26/2/2014

4 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
In yesterday's post the eventful life of Sir Andrew Wood was briefly covered and the tower shown above was introduced. Standing to the north of Largo House, the tower once formed part of a more extensive building.  Widely believed to be the remains of Sir Andrew's home, the true age of the tower is now questioned. 

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) listing for the building states that while the lands of Largo were granted to Wood in 1482-3 and re-granted in 1491 along with a licence to build a tower or similar building (which Wood had already built by that time), the present tower is thought to date from at least 100 years later.  In 1618 the lands passed to Peter Black and that time frame would suit the building style of the present tower better.  RCAMHS also note that the foundations of the south wall contain traces of a yet older building.  Perhaps these traces are all that remain of Wood's actual home.

Another popular story regards the building of a canal between the tower and Upper Largo, used to transport Wood between home to the Largo Kirk.  Maps refer to 'Canal (remains of)' even in recent times.  However, this part of Sir Andrew's Wood's story seems impossible to verify and for some seems doubtful.  An excavation in 1992 found no  traces of clay, which would be necessary to retain water - concluding that if anything this was a drainage ditch.  Nevertheless, the canal theory certainly adds to the allure of the life story of an undoubtedly great man who played a key role in Scottish history.

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It seems certain that when Largo House was built in the mid-18th century that the tower was deliberately retained as a point of interest within the formal gardens. However, over time the structure deteriorated and between 1978 and 1981, the East Neuk Preservation Society stepped in to raise funds and carry out a full restoration, including re-roofing of the tower.  In recent years there has been talk of further restoration.  If you know about the latest plans, please comment.

4 Comments
Thomas Patton
18/1/2020 04:34:05 am

My wife's Maiden name is Wood so naturally I have some interest in the progress of your project. Please do continue with it, with all of GOD's speed and blessings. It is a shameful thing to see Scotland's mighty castles fall into ruin. "These are the very foundations on which a great country was built," and "A house is only as strong or good as the foundation it rests on." Please let us know of all your positive results in this project. As a Cancer survivor my Wife could use a little good news now and then. Good Luck to you!!!

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eric washington
3/11/2020 05:40:33 am

are there any images of admiral andrew wood?

Reply
Vintage Lundin Links and Largo
3/11/2020 07:31:15 am

I am not aware of any official images of Sir Andrew Wood, however, there are depictions of him such as the one shown in this article:

https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/culture/the-forgotten-scottish-answer-to-lord-nelson/

Reply
Colin
11/8/2022 10:35:28 am

Hi I have a painting a water colour of it it's very old by geo kerr in August 1948 he gave it to the then owners for treating him so kind my number is 07751614628 if anyone wants to see it and all I said is written on the back by the artist

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    This blog is about the history of the villages of Lundin Links, Lower Largo and Upper Largo in Fife, Scotland. Comments and contributions from readers are very welcome!

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