Uniting the Burghs
The Royal Burghs of Anstruther Easter, Anstruther Wester and Kilrenny were amalgamated to create the United Burghs of Kilrenny, Anstruther Easter and Anstruther Wester.
Herring Return
Herring had returned to the East coast of Scotland. With a great fleet of sea-going boats,fishermen famed for their skill and a magnificent harbour, Cellardyke was placed among the top…
Gold Rush
Having experienced poverty and disease many fishermen and their families chose to emigrate to Australia, Canada and other parts of the world. After gold was discovered in Australia in 1851…
Cholera Epidemic
Cholera hit the town and dozens died in both epidemics bringing further privation and destitution to the town. Image: Shore Street
Burgh Disenfranchised
Irregularities in local politics and with politicians resulted in the Burgh being disenfranchised. Its affairs were taken over and run by managers appointed by the Court of Session, the Supreme…
El Gran Grifón
James Melville was appointed Minister of Kilrenny. He was instrumental in the rescue of and eventual release of the crew of El Gran Grifón, the Spanish Armada ship. The vessel…
Heirs and Successors
John Beaton’s son was confirmed as the hereditary tenant of the ‘port and heavyne callit the Skynfast Heyvn’. The charter was confirmed by James Vl in 1579. Kilrenny now consisted…
David Beaton, Cardinal of St Andrews 1538-1545
New Ownership
Kilrenny eventually passed to Cardinal David Beaton, Archbishop of St Andrews. In 1546 he was stabbed to death by some Protestant Lairds in St Andrews Castle. Later, his nephew, John…
United Kingdom Parliament
The Burgh was grouped with the four neighbouring Royal Burghs of the East Neuk of Fife (Anstruther Easter, Anstruther Wester, Pittenweem and Crail) to send representation of Scotland in the…
Royal Burgh Renounced
After many years of poverty, the Town Council asked to be removed from the Roll of the Royal Burghs along with the financial commitments attached. The Burgh was deleted from…
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