Cupar Castle
Cupar Castle Details
Cupar Castle, site of C12/13 castle of Earls of Fife or Crown, believed destroyed C14
- Closest To: Cupar
- Access: S.O.A.C. Public Access
- Grid Reference: NO376146
The site of Cupar Castle is now occupied by the Castle Hill school. This is a prominent and well-defined ridge in the centre of town. The castle is mentioned few times in documentary records, and no archaeological trace of it has been identified through the limited excavation that has taken place, but it is clear that a significant structure was here at one point, dating back to the mid 12th century and probably rebuilt in stone. It was occupied by English forces for much of the Wars of Independence after being taken by Edward I in 1296. The castle had a constable under King William, and the town was a royal burgh under Robert Bruce. Whether it was previously a comital burgh of the earls of Fife I have not yet established – which would determine if the castle was of royal or comital origin.