Clan Anstruther

Item code: C5

ANSTRUTHER, a surname derived from the lands of Anstruther, in the county of Fife, on a portion of which the burgh of Anstruther-easter, of which the laird of Anstruther is superior, is built. The family of Anstruther of Anstruther is very ancient, having been settled in Fife in the very early periods of Scottish history. During the reign of David the First, William de Candela, obviously of Norman origin, possessed the lands of Anstruther, as appears from a charter granted in favour of the monks of Balmerinoch, by his son William, wherein he is designated "Filius Willielmi de Candela, domini de Anstruther." Henry his son first assumed the name of his lands, and in a charter of confirmation of his fathers grant, dated in 1221, he is styled " Henricus de Ayni strother, dominus ejusdem, Filius Willielmi," &c. From these early proprietors the family of Anstruther are lineally descended.