Although today Inverkeithing is a commuter town because of its close proximity to Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, it is steeped in history.

Inverkeithing became a Royal Burgh by charter from William the Lion around 1165. This was important because only Royal Burghs were allowed to trade abroad.

The Burgh land was divided into Roods, an ancient Scottish measurement made up of 4 Ells and typically ran East to West. Our B&B is called The Roods because it was built on the ground belonging to local farmers and in order to build the house, 8 roods, or strips of ground, had to be purchased from the landowners.

The Battle of Inverkeithing took place on 20th July 1651. Many houses were destroyed by the troops of Oliver Cromwell and it is said that The Keith Burn ran red with blood from the massacre.

The Townhall was rebuilt in 1754. Many important decisions were made there. For example, In May 1598 James V1 granted new rights and privileges to the Burgh allowing them to charge tolls to travellers passing through the town on their way to the Queensferry Passage. Sadly the ‘Toll House’ was demolished in the 1960s and until then my great uncle, Benjamin Murdoch resided there.

The Mercat Cross, circa 1400, still stands today and is one of the finest examples of its kind in Scotland. It was erected to celebrate the marriage of David, the son of King Robert III and Queen Annabella to Marjorie, daughter of the Earl of Douglas. The Unicorn was finally carved in 1688 by John Boyd to secure his admittance to the very important, Inverkeithing Trades Guild.

With the advent of Christianity to the district around 1162 the Holy Well of Saint Peters Parish Kirk became important. It still exists underground at Moffat Cottage. Moffat Cottage became famous because the explorer, Doctor David Livingstone often stayed there on his travels. His Prayer House still exists in the garden today.

Inverkeithing was in close touch with Royalty at various times with such visitors as Queen Margaret, Mary Queen of Scots and Robert The Bruce. It is said that King David 1 had a Palace in the Burgh.

Inverkeithing was notorious for the execution of witches. The Street which was the execution site is aptly named ‘Witch Knowe’.