Jedburgh Abbey (Borders)

Jedburgh Abbey founded in 1138

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Information provided Audio guide Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks Picnic area

Introduction

Jedburgh Abbey, founded in 1138, was a frequent target for invading Border armies. Today, there is a cloister and herb garden to explore and a visitor centre containing a model of the abbey in its heyday and artefacts excavated from the abbey grounds. There is also a display on the construction of the abbey with hands-on interactives. Computer-based video and virtual tour available. Dressing up clothes for adults and children available. 

1 April - 30 September Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
1 October - 31 March Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

History to the present day

Jedburgh Abbey is one of the four great abbeys built in Scotland’s border country during the Middle Ages. It was established as a priory of Augustinian canons around 1138. The brethren possibly came here from St Quentin Abbey, near Beauvais, France. The priory was raised to abbey status around 1154.

Augustinians were priests who lived a secluded and contemplative life, but who went forth from their cloister to minister to the people. Jedburgh eventually possessed about 20 parish churches.

Monastic life was mostly routine, but the abbey’s location close to the border with England inevitably brought it into the conflict between the two countries that bedevilled the later Middle Ages. During the Wars of Independence in the 14th century, the canons had to evacuate the premises. Further attacks in the 1400s were compounded by major raids in the 16th century. These and the Protestant Reformation of 1560 led to Jedburgh’s demise as a monastic institution.Jedburgh Abbey is one of the four great abbeys built in Scotland’s border country during the Middle Ages. It was established as a priory of Augustinian canons around 1138. The brethren possibly came here from St Quentin Abbey, near Beauvais, France. The priory was raised to abbey status around 1154.

The abbey was founded by David I. The Augustinians were noted for their contribution to royal governance, and their houses were generally located close to royal power centres. Holyrood Abbey sits beside Edinburgh Castle, Cambuskenneth Abbey beside Stirling Castle, Scone Abbey beside the hallowed place where Scottish kings were enthroned, and St Andrews Priory beside the headquarters of the Scottish Church.

Jedburgh Abbey served the royal castle in Jedburgh. In 1285, Alexander III and his new queen, Yolande de Dreux, were married in Jedburgh’s splendid abbey church. Legend tells of a ghostly figure appearing before the congregation and foretelling the king’s death. Alexander died the following year, after falling from his horse.

Food and Drinks

 Picnic Area. 

Other facilities

Free audio tours available to use on-site.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Jedburgh Abbey, Borders, , United Kingdom

Address: Jedburgh Abbey, Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh TD8 6JQ.

Directions: In Jedburgh on the A68.