"The parish of Kingsbarns lies in the eastern part of the county, with its eastern side to the German Ocean. Originally it formed part of Crail, but was separated from that parish in 1631. The village lies on the public road round the coast, 6.5 miles south-east from St Andrews, and 3.5 miles north from Crail. It is a thriving little place, and carries on a considerable manufacture of linens for the Dundee market. The largest and best flag-stones in the country are obtained near the village, and marble of a fine quality is met with occasionally. A little to the east of the harbour are the fragments of a castle or palace, once the residence of David I, the remains of which consist chiefly of a wall, now partially enclosing a garden. Pitmilly, a very ancient seat, stands in the northern part of the parish. Fairs are held on the first Tuesday in June, and the third Wednesday in October (old style)." from Slater's Directory published 1852.

The barns, now long gone, that gave the place its name supplied the royal residences at Crail and Falkland in medieval times and little remains of the harbour that was built c.1810 by the Earl of Kellie to ship grain and potatoes to Newcastle and London as well as import coal and drainage tiles for the local farming community.

There are several fine 18th and 19th century buildings including Kingsbarns House built in 1794 by John Corstorphine and a primary school dating from 1822 which is the oldest still in use in Fife. The village was designated a conservation area in 1973.

To the south is Cambo House and Garden.

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