Saint Andrews, United Kingdom

Construction of the present town began around 1140 under Bishop Robert, on an L-shaped hill, possibly on the site of the ruined St Andrews Castle. According to a charter of 1170, the new burgh was built to the west of the cathedral precinct, along Castle Street and possibly as far as what is now known as North Street. The northern boundary of the burgh was the southern side of the Scores (the street between North Street and the sea), the southern boundary was the Kinness Burn and the western was the West Port. The burgh of St Andrews was first represented at the great council at Scone Palace in 1357.

St Andrews, in particular the large cathedral built in 1160, was the most important centre of pilgrimage in medieval Scotland and one of the most important in Europe. Pilgrims from all over Scotland came in large numbers hoping to be blessed, and in many cases to be cured, at the shrine of Saint Andrew. The presence of the pilgrims brought about increased trade and development. Recognised as the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, the town now had vast economic and political influence within Europe as a cosmopolitan town. The Scottish Parliament met in the town in 1304, when King Edward I, in his capacity as overlord of Scotland, came to be received by Bishop William de Lamberton. As many as 130 landowners turned up to witness the event ranging from Sir John of Cambo to Sir William Murray of Fort.

In 1559, the town fell into decay after the violent Scottish Reformation and the Wars of the Three Kingdoms losing the status of ecclesiastical capital of Scotland. Even the University of St Andrews was considering relocating to Perth around 1697 and 1698. Under the authorisation of the bishop of St Andrews, the town was made a burgh of barony in 1614. Royal Burgh was then granted as a charter by King James VI in 1620. In the 18th century, the town was still in decline, but despite this the town was becoming known for having links 'well known to golfers'. By the 19th century, the town began to expand beyond the original medieval boundaries with streets of new houses and town villas being built. From 1842 to 1861 Hugh Lyon Playfair ws provost of St. Andrews and was credited with improving the burgh, the University and the Golf Club. Today, St Andrews is served by education, golf and the tourist and conference industry.

In 1951, The Masque of St. Andrews, which dramatised important events in the town's history, was staged in the cathedral grounds as part of the Festival of Britain.