Dryburgh Abbey
The picturesque ruins of Dryburgh Abbey. Photo
Giorgio Raffaelli.
Dryburgh's rose window at dawn. Photo
Dave Fitch.
Dryburgh Abbey. Photo
Anja+Andreas.
Tomb of Sir Walter Scott at Dryburgh. Photo
Markus Schroeder.
Photo
Anja+Andreas.
Location map and aerial view of Dryburgh Abbey. For a larger interactive view, see our Scotland Map.
Dryburgh Abbey is a ruined 12th-century abbey located on the Tweed River in the Borders region of Scotland. It is the final resting place of Sir Walter Scott.
History
Dryburgh Abbey was founded in 1152 by Premonstratensian monks (Augustinians, also known as White Canons) on a site perhaps made sacred by Saint Modan around 600. It was founded by monks from Alnwick on land owned by Hugh de Moreville, the father of one of the assassins of Saint Thomas Becket.
Dryburgh Abbey was burned by English troops in 1322, after which it was restored and patronised by Robert I of Scotland. It was again burned in 1385, but it flourished in the fifteenth century. It was finally destroyed in 1544, briefly to survive until the Reformation, when it was given to the Earl of Mar by James VI of Scotland.
The Earl of Buchan bought the land in 1786; the property is now managed by Historic Scotland. Sir Walter Scott and Douglas Haig are buried in its grounds.
What to See
"Remarkably complete medieval ruins." – Historic Scotland
"Five stars." – Scottish Tourist Board
"It's still a lovely ruin, and its setting in a loop of the Tweed is memorable." – Frommer's Scotland
Though heavily damaged and mostly in ruins, Dryburgh Abbey's chapter house reveals plaster and paintwork dating back to its inception.
The Gothic ruins are surrounded by yew trees and cedars of Lebanon, said to have been planted by knights returning from the Crusades.
Sir Walter Scott is buried in a pillared side chapel.
Getting There
Dryburgh is 8m SE of Melrose on the B6404, near St Boswells. From Edinburgh, take A68 to St. Boswells and turn onto B6404 and then left onto B6356.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Dryburgh Abbey |
| Location: | Borders, Scotland |
| Category: | Abbeys & Monasteries |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Order: | Augustinian |
| Status: | ruins |
| Date: | 1152 |
| Architecture: | Gothic |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 55.577092° N, 2.649733° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Hwy. A68, Dryburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland |
| Phone: | 01835/822381 |
| Hours: | Mar 25-Sep 30: daily 9:30am-6:30pm Oct 1-Mar 25: daily 9:30am-4:30pm Closed Dec 25-26, Jan 1-2. |
| Cost: | Adult £3.30; Child £1.30 Senior/Discount £2.50 |
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Dryburgh Abbey Official Site
- Dryburgh Abbey Reviews - TripAdvisor
- Dryburgh Abbey – Undiscovered Scotland
- Dryburgh Abbey – Catholic Encyclopedia
- Floor Plan of Dryburgh Abbey - Planetware
Article last updated: 07/03/2009.
