Famous Sons of Anstruther
- Thomas Chalmers -
was born on 17 March 1780 in a house on what is now Post Office
Close. His family moved to the house now known as Chalmer's
House when he was a young boy.
- Robert Fowler - late Victorian artist who largely worked
in Liverpool, born in Cellardyke and baptised in Kilrenny Church
in May 1850.
- John Goodsir (1814-1867) - born in Anstruther and brought
up at the Hermitage. He studied at
St Andrews and Edinburgh
universities then practised medicine in Anstruther until 1840
when he went to Edinburgh to become Conservator of the Museum
of the College of Surgeons, then professor of anatomy 1846-67.
He was famous for his study of cytology.
- David Martin - at an
early age he showed a remarkable talent for drawing. He studied
under Allan Ramsey in Rome and at the age of 22 won first prize
in the Society of Arts competition with a black and white chalk
drawing.
- David Murray - merchant of London and Adelaide was
born in Anstruther but emigrated to Australia in 1853.
In his later years he paid frequent visits to Anstruther. He
died in London in January 1907 leaving in his will £4000 to
provide a library and reading room in his home town. He was
buried in the Anstruther churchyard.
- Captain John Smith - born in 1824 at 15 East Green.
A lawyer and writer who was linked with the Leith Shipping Company.
- William Tennant - was born in the High Street and became
Professor of Oriental Languages at St Andrews University. In
1812 he wrote the popular poem 'Anster Fair'.
- Lieutenant Andrew Waid - bequeathed his fortune in
1804 for the benefit of local education. The Waid Academy in
St Andrews Road is named after him.
- Charles Wightman - lived in a house next to the site
of Dreel Castle. He was a merchant and smuggler who provided
a safe refuge for the defeated clansman after the Battle of
Culloden.
The Kilrenny and Anstruther Burgh Collection
can be contacted by e-mailing us at anstruther.collection@virgin.net
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