LADY'S TOWER

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LADY'S TOWER - ELIE

FIFE, SCOTLAND

Image of Lady's Tower at Sauchar Point, Elie, Fife, Scotland.
Lady's Tower at Sauchar Point, Elie, Fife.

"the tower is a Cat-C listed building"

FASCINATING BUILDINGS

Another little building with a fascinating history. This is Lady’s Tower located at Sauchar Point near the Scottish village of Elie in Fife. The tower is next to the Fife Coastal Path on the edge of The Firth of Forth, and there is parking nearby at Ruby Bay car park south of Elie.


HISTORY

Lady’s Tower was built in 1770 for Lady Janet Anstruther (nee Janet Fall) the wife of Sir John Anstruther (2nd Baronet). Lady Janet used it as a summer house, she would sit there enjoying the view across the Firth of Forth, and while away the time after her daily swims. The building did not always look this derelict; it is reputed to have still had a roof, glazed windows, a door, a fireplace and plastered interior walls during the early 1900’s. The tower is now a listed building.

Below the tower on the beach there is a man-made cave built into the rock that Lady Janet used as a changing room before her regular swims in the sea.

Image of Lady's Tower and the man-made Changing Room.
Lady's Tower and Changing Room
(Note the man-made cave set in the rocky cliff)

Lady Janet lived through 1725 - 1802; she married Sir John in 1750, and together they had four children, a girl and three boys. The portrait painter Sir Joshua Reynolds painted her portrait in 1761 (Lady Janet portrait) which hangs in the Tate; there is no doubting she was a beautiful lady, but she had a reputation as a flirt and a social climber. Her good looks might possibly have hidden a heartless character, especially if all her alleged sins are to be believed.

It is said that in the 1770’s during major landscaping work of the estate around their home, Elie House, that Lady Janet demanded the clearance and demolition of the village of Balclevie as it spoiled her view towards Kilconquhar Loch.

It was about this same time that Lady’s Tower was built, and Lady Janet liked to bathe naked in the sea before relaxing in her summer house. Not wanting the nosy peasants of Elie gawking at her while she bathed, a servant was charged with the task of ringing a bell through the streets of Elie, warning the locals to keep away from the tower.

Image of Lady's Tower at Sauchar Point, Elie, Fife, Scotland.
Lady's Tower beach at Elie, Fife.

VISITING ELIE AND LADY'S TOWER

If you plan to visit Lady’s Tower there is car parking and facilities nearby at Ruby Bay just south of Elie. The circular walk up to the tower also takes in the Elie Ness Lighthouse. You can extend your walk to take in Elie, the harbour and Earlsferry if you wanted. The whole area is a pleasant place to spend the afternoon.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ruby Bay (also known as Wood Haven) is so called because it is possible to find rubies washed up on the beach. The blood-red gemstones can be found loose in the sand and set within volcanic rocks on the beach. Good luck!

LASTLY

Black & White image of Lady's Tower.
Wistful view of Lady's Tower
(My Lady Christine contemplates the view that Lady Janet once cherished)

When you stand inside Lady Tower be sure to remember the original owner. Picture Lady Janet sat by the window 250 years ago, drinking tea, and reading her copy of Moll Flanders or Robinson Crusoe.

Best wishes, Phil.
Location: Fife Coastal Path, St Monans, Anstruther KY10 2BW, UK

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