History

Introduction

The shores of the Firth of Forth witnessed the emergence of it's first human inhabitants some 10,500 years ago, a community of hunter-gatherers. Subsequently, the Neolithic Picts brought herding and cultivation to the region, with Kinghorn, blessed with fertile land, abundant freshwater, and proximity to marine resources, likely serving as a tribal settlement for centuries. The Scots later supplanted the tribes, forging a unified nation under the banner of the Scottish monarchy.

Kinghorn's ascent to prominence developed during the 12th and 13th centuries when the area surrounding the town became a favoured royal hunting ground. This royal patronage culminated in the construction of a castle. While the exact location of the castle remains debated, prevailing evidence suggests its existence near the loch burn, now Burt Avenue. In 1285, King Alexander III granted a confirmatory charter, elevating Kinghorn to one of Scotland's earliest Royal Burghs. Tragedy befell in 1286 when King Alexander III met his demise, having fallen from his horse en route from Edinburgh to Kinghorn Castle. Legend has it that Murdoch Schank, from the ancient Schank family of Midlothian, discovered and cared for the king's body. In recognition, Robert the Bruce reportedly bestowed upon Murdoch Schank the estate of Castlerigg in Kinghorn in 1319. The genealogy of the Schanks from then until 1884 can be accessed, see the links below.

Kinghorn Castle was eventually gifted to the Lyon family (Glamis Castle Angus) in the 15th century which is probably when it became known as Glamis Tower/Castle. The castle then swapped hands several times and during this period appears to have been used as a defensive position by French troops in a skirmish with reformation forces. The castle was eventually returned to the Lyons and it is recorded that in 1606 Patrick Lyon was awarded the title Earl of Kinghorne by James the V1 and that he owned the old castle of the King’s Horn at the town of Kinghorn it was also recorded that the castle was a ruin with only its walls remaining.

Prominent figures present at the unveiling ceremony included Senator James G. Blaine, a distinguished Republican who served as the United States Secretary of State in two separate terms, first from 1881 and then from 1889 to 1892. In June 1887, Senator Blaine, accompanied by his wife and daughters, embarked on a noteworthy European journey, exploring various countries. Their final destination was Scotland, where they were hosted at the summer residence of none other than Andrew Carnegie.

Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist, business magnate, and philanthropist born in Dunfermline, played a pivotal role in the late 19th-century expansion of the American steel industry. His remarkable success led him to become one of the wealthiest Americans in history.

Also in attendance was Lord Elgin, who received the esteemed Freedom of the Burgh of Kinghorn. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Viceroy of India from 1894 to 1899, adding another significant chapter to his distinguished career.

Kinghorn Historical Society - The local historians have collected a wealth of information and produced an excellent app titled "Kinghorn Heritage Trail", you can download it to your mobile or tablet via the links on the Software page.

Fife County Council Archive - Hold the following: Kinghorn Burgh records 1632-1959 Item No. B/KH. Two deed chests of miscellaneous papers and documents relating to Kinghorn Burgh. Includes printed translation of the charter granted to Burntisland by Charles I in 1632. Lists of voters in Kinghorn Burgh, 1832-1874. Title deeds, 1659-1826. papers and accounts relating to Kinghorn School and Philp's charity, 1823-1846.

The Schank descendants - The family tree of the ancient Schank family contributed by Bill Forrest

Blaeu's description of Fife 1654 - Starts halfway down the page. For Blaeu's 1654 Engraved Map of Fife (see Old-Maps).

Old Statistical Accounts 1794 - The Church's view of Kinghorn's socio-economic state.

Sibbald's History of Fife 1803. - First published in 1710. This is an excellent reference book it is 478 pages and opens on the contents page.

A journey from Edinburgh 1811 Alexander Campbell. - Opens on the Kinghorn page.

Webster's Topographical Dictionary 1819 - A report on Kinghorn's social and economic state

The Great Reform Act Report 1832 - is a short, unflattering, document defining the Burgh's boundaries.

History of the County of Fife: From the Earliest Period to the Present Time by John M Leighton - Published 1840 - KInghorn starts on page 206

Old Statisical Accounts 1843. - 49 years on - here is another review by the Church of the social and economic state of Kinghorn.

Topographical Dictionary of Scotland 1846 - A snapshot of Kinghorn.

Barbieri's Historical Gazetteer 1857 - A very informative account of Kinghorn's part in Scotland's history.

Kinghorn Past & Present - A great place to ask questions about Kinghorn or look at photos old and new is the Kinghorn Past & Present Group on Facebook.  It's easy to join and you can search the group for photos that interest you.

Scotland's People - The official government source of genealogical data for Scotland. The following site also provides access to Kinghorn's Records GENUKI

Listed Buildings in Kinghorn - There are quite a few.

Kinghorn's Churches - A short history

Scotland's First World War Built Heritage. A lot of information on Kinghorn & Pettycur's built defences.

The History of Craigencalt at Kinghorn Loch - by Marilyn Edwards, Well researched and an interesting read.

National Records of Scotland - Their purpose is to collect, preserve and produce information about Scotland's people and history and make it available to inform current and future generations.

Kinghorn Conservaton Area Appraisal & Management Plan - Kinghorn is one of the 48 Conservation Areas located in Fife.

Sandhills - A short history of one of Scotland's oldest caravan parks.