Lincluden Collegiate Church, Dumfries (Scotland)
Remains of a collegiate church and the accommodation for its canons founded in 1389.
Introduction
Lincluden Collegiate Church, known earlier as Lincluden Priory or Lincluden Abbey, is a ruined religious house, situated on the site of the Bailey of the very early Lincluden Castle. This religious house was founded circa. 1160 and was used for various purposes, until its abandonment around 1700.
History to the present day
The foundation is accredited to Uchtred, Son of "Fergus" Lord of Galloway, who built a nunnery on the site of the bailey to house a priory of Benedictine nuns. Lincluden was the only monastic house that Uchtred would found, meeting his death at the hand of his brother in 1174.
In 1389, over two hundred years later, Archibald “The Grim” 3rd Earl of Douglas was granted permission by the Pope to close the priory and replace it with a Collegiate Church. The splendid chancel was probably added by his son Archibald, the 4th Earl, and houses the exquisite monumental tomb of his wife, Princess Margaret, daughter of Robert III.
During the Reformation the Collegiate Church was subjected to vicious attacks from Protestant Reformers. Much needed repairs were carried out immediately after the Reformation, with new larger gardens being added as an attractive addition.
After having been passed to various owners, the Collegiate Church was finally abandoned in the year 1700. It was used as a quarry until 1882, when it was finally taken over as a national monument, which is now in the care of Historic Scotland.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: , Scotland, , United Kingdom
Lincluden Collegiate Church is located on the western outskirts of Dumfries in Abbey Lane on the A76.
