Dryburgh Abbey, St Boswells (Borders)
Its remarkably complete medieval ruins makes it easy to appreciate the attractions of monastic life.
Summary
- Gift shop
- Free car parking (on site)
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Food and Drinks
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Introduction
The graceful ruins of Dryburgh Abbey nestle in wooded seclusion beside the River Tweed. On entering, the visitor immediately understands why the contemplative life of a medieval monk was attractive. At Dryburgh, the visitor gets closer to the cloistered life of the medieval monk than perhaps anywhere else in Scotland.
There is an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity; and the abbey church and cloister – the spiritual and domestic homes of the brethren – remain substantially complete. The church is a fine relic of Gothic architecture, particularly the transepts flanking the presbytery, lovingly hewn from warm-pink sandstone. The cloister retains its feeling of privileged enclosure. Its highlight is the 13th-century chapter house, which still has precious painted wall-plaster surviving, and a wonderful acoustic. Other features of interest include the warming house and dormitory in the east range.
The abbey buildings were destroyed by fire three times and ravaged by war on four occasions, yet fine examples of ecclesiastic architecture and masonry remain. Its chapter house reveals plaster and paintwork dating back to its inception. Part of a parkland landscape, there are many fine large trees including the Dryburgh Yew – one of the 100 most important trees in Scotland.
History to the present day
The abbey was established in 1150 by white-clad Premonstratensian canons. They were invited to this idyllic spot from Alnwick Priory, Northumberland, by Hugh de Moreville. The Constable of Scotland and Lord of Lauderdale, he was himself an incomer from England.
Dryburgh became the premier house in Scotland of the Premonstratensian order, which had been established at Prémontré, north-east France, in 1121, by St Norbert of Xanten. There were six Scottish houses in total, including Whithorn Priory, in Galloway.
Dryburgh Abbey never quite aspired to the heights of wealth and influence achieved by its neighbours at Kelso, Jedburgh and Melrose, and on the whole the monastic life was lived out quietly. The sound of war occasionally visited the secluded spot, most famously in 1322, when Edward II’s retreating army, on hearing the abbey’s bells ringing in the distance, turned aside and set fire to the place. The Protestant Reformation effectively ended Dryburgh Abbey’s days, and by 1584 just two brethren remained alive.
In the 18th century, the ivy-clad ruin attracted the attention of David Erskine, 11th Earl of Buchan. The chief founder of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 1780, Buchan purchased Dryburgh House and set about creating a charming landscape, in which the ancient abbey figured prominently.
When he died in 1829, he was laid to rest in its sacristy. Three years later, on 26 September 1832, Buchan’s close friend, Sir Walter Scott, antiquarian and novelist, was buried in the north transept (which he called ‘St Mary’s Aisle’). A third great Scot, Field-Marshal Earl Haig, was interred beside Scott in 1928.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: Dryburgh Abbey, Scottish Borders, Borders, , United Kingdom
Opening times:
1 April - 30 September: Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30am to 5.30pm
1 October - 31 March: Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30am to 4.30pm
All our properties close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day & 1-2 January.
Admission prices:
Adult £4.70, Child £2.80, Concession £3.80
Directions: The Abbey is located 3km south east of Melrose on the B6404, near St Boswells.
Public Transport: available from Melrose to St Boswell Bus Stance.
