St Andrews - 7

St Andrews Castle was the official residence of Scotland’s leading bishop (and later archbishop) throughout the Middle Ages. Its scale demonstrated the power and wealth of the bishops, and it was the setting for many important events which determined the course of Scottish history. Some of the key moments leading up to the Scottish Reformation in 1560 were played out within its precinct. These include the burning of George Wishart, the Protestant preacher, the murder of Cardinal Beaton, and the great siege of 1546–7, when Rev John Knox was one of the garrison.

An amazing part of any visit are the Mine and Counter-mine – these unique underground passages give visitors a palpable sense of the horrific nature of medieval siege warfare. My meditation came to me easily as left this gloomy place!

1 Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus my Saviour,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus my Lord!
Refrain:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Alleluia! Christ arose!

2 Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus my Saviour;
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus my Lord!
Refrain:

3 Death cannot keep its Prey,
Jesus my Saviour;
He tore the bars away,
Jesus my Lord!
Refrain: