The reorganisation of the Scottish Church, which started in the early 12th century, saw the setting up of many important abbeys, such as the Abbeys in the Scottish Borders. Dundrennan Abbey was one of them.Dundrennan Abbey was founded in 1142 for Cistercian monks, either by King David I, or by the great magnate of the area, Fergus Lord of Galloway. The first monks were brought from the Cistercian order's northern missionary house at Rievaulx in Yorkshire. The Abbey was home to a community of Cistercian monks for 400 years.This is the spot where Mary Queen of Scots sheltered during … [Read more...] about Dundrennan Abbey
Abbey
Dryburgh Abbey
There is something about Dryburgh Abbey in the Scottish Borders, is it the walk towards the Abbey with the majestic trees in the park or just the serene and peaceful feeling one gets when walking over the grounds of the Abbey? Perhaps the ruins of Dryburgh Abbey are not as majestic as the neighbouring Melrose Abbey or Jedburgh Abbey but Dryburgh is even more so a place where the medieval monks lived a contemplative life, perhaps it's that atmosphere one feels when walking towards the Abbey. The ruins stand amidst a wooded seclusion beside the River Tweed. Dryburgh became the premier house in … [Read more...] about Dryburgh Abbey
Dunfermline Abbey
Early 2009 I have visited Dunfermline Abbey together with Bruce and Linda from Scotland of the Roadside and we were surprised to find a wee sign with an interesting text. The Abbey itself is very beautiful although we couldn't visit the inside. But thanks to the excellent weather we had a beautiful walk around the Abbey itself which is very much worth a visit!Dunfermline AbbeyThe sign, image below, can be found opposite the cafe and has the following text: 1303AD: There is a tradition that the mother of Sir William Wallace was buried at this spot marked by a Thorn Tree. This was the … [Read more...] about Dunfermline Abbey
