Inverkeithing town walls

During the medieval era, Inverkeithing's strategic position at the narrowest crossing point of the Firth of Forth gave it importance militarily and with trade. The town's defences were simple ditches, wooden palisade and wooden ports.^[1][2]

In 1503, an Act of Parliament under James I charged the inhabitants of Inverkeithing with the building of "a wall seaward with ports of stone and lime".^[3] The ports are thought to have been situated in what is now King Street, Hill Street and Hope Street.^[2]

In 1557, the town was given a further mandate to build stone walls around Inverkeithing. These were to be further fortified with dykes, ditches and catapults.^[1]

In 1773, following a long lasting peace with England and the union, Inverkeithing Town Council ordered the ports of Inverkeithing town walls to be taken down.^[4][5][2]

A remaining section of Inverkeithing town walls exists on Roman road. It dates to the late 16th century and is 35 metres long. It features a carved marriage lintel from 1618 with the initials of William Blackburn and Janet Bairdie.^[1]

The remaining section of Inverkeithing town wall was granted category C listed status by Historic Scotland in August 2004 and has listing number LB49954.^[1]

The East port of Inverkeithing town wall stood on King Street; a marker stone remains.^[4]