Kingdom of Fife

[Wendist]

Hello

This weekend I spent quite a lot of time watching TV. Topic: The Open Championship at St.Andrews.

According to the commentator, St.Andrews is situated in the kingdom of Fife.
Does such a kingdom exist? Surely it must be part of Scotland.And who rules it, apart from Tiger Woods that is?

I would not be surprised if it was all a joke but I am curious enough to put the above questions on this board.
If anyone can offer any help it would be most appreciated.

Regards Thomas

Fife has always been known as the kingdom of Fife.
I know i got an explanation when i was a child but haven't been able to remember what it was.
You will be sharply reprimanded if you DARE say Fifeshire!! hahah
well, i was! My Auntie Mary told me off good and proper

Originally posted by Wendist:
Hello

This weekend I spent quite a lot of time watching TV. Topic: The Open Championship at St.Andrews.

According to the commentator, St.Andrews is situated in the kingdom of Fife.
Does such a kingdom exist? Surely it must be part of Scotland.And who rules it, apart from Tiger Woods that is?

I would not be surprised if it was all a joke but I am curious enough to put the above questions on this board.
If anyone can offer any help it would be most appreciated.

Regards Thomas

Wendist,

The following quote is taken from the Kingdom of Fife Tourist Board web page. It might be of interest to you.

"We take great pride in calling our land a Kingdom. We don't use the name "Kingdom of Fife" in any official capacity, it is more of a romantic description of a land and its people, who were, for most of their history, isolated by geographical barriers from the rest of Scotland. Fife’s Kingdom status dates back to Roman times when the area was covered by forest and was a "Kingdom of the Picts", a savage people who were greatly feared by the Romans."

Slainte,


Drummy

[Wendist]

To Jarmine and drummy

Thank you.

Regards Thomas

I do not know the origin of the term "Kingdom of Fife", but it is interesting to note that the Earls of Fife always had the traditional function of crowning the King (or Queen) of Scots at the monarch's coronation. A King (or Queen) of Scots was not regarded as a ligitimate sovereign unless he or she had been crowned by the Earl of Fife.

When Robert Bruce siezed the throne, the Earl of Fife opposed him, but a relative of the Earl (Isabel, Countess of Buchan) performed the ceremony as a representitive of the Earldom.

------------------
The man o' independent mind,
He looks an' laughs at a' that.

[bobbybingo]

The Kingdom of Fife is related to the ancient Celts/Scots in the sense that their system of government consisted of seven kingdoms, one of which covered the area of Fife. The seven kings of these kingdoms would elect a High King(or Ard Righ in Gaelic) of Scotland from one of the seven kingdoms. This system was derived from the ancient Irish system of nominating kings.
bob.

[robinegg_84]

I just wanted to say,that I have been to "Fife" Tayport, Fife that is, And it is such a beautiful place! I have a very good friend that lives there, and I crossed the
BIG POND and went for a visit ! Scotland is such a beautiful place, and the folk there are so friendly, everyone made me feel very welcome ! I hope to go again someday !