History of St.Andrews

Many visitors to Scotland associate St.Andrews with Golf and golf alone without realising the rich heritage and history contained within what was once a foremost Medieval Township. Fortunately, many of the historical features remain to this day, providing a tapestry for visitors with diverse interests.

For long, the Town has enjoyed Royal patronage with visiting Kings and Queens of Scotland bringing their Court to the Town for sports of hunting, archery and latterly golf. Thus, the Town had the privilege of being named as a Royal Burgh, which pertains to this day with this small medieval town known the World over as The Royal and Ancient Burgh of St.Andrews. For golfers, the famous Club of the Burgh is shortened to the 'R & A', without many knowing what the initials stand for.

Origins

The first habitation of the area of Scotland around St Andrews was in perhaps 6,000 BC. The first inhabitants probably came from the south overland and up the coast in log boats. These hunter gatherers existed on the wildlife and vegetation of the area. Very many ancient archaeological sites exist by St Andrews from the Bronze Age and before.

Around 1000 BC, perhaps 1500 BC, farms were established. At the time the area seems to have been warmer and drier than now. The process of human settlement culminated in the arrival of the Picti (now known as the Picts). We have evidence of these people from their burials. Hundreds of graves and cremation urns have been found from this period.

The Romans came to Fife around 82 AD and established camps near St Andrews, Cupar, Auchtermuchty, Boarhills (by St Andrews) and Newburgh (on the Tay). By 300 AD the power of the Romans in Scotland had declined.

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