The Beautiful And Historic Dryburgh Abbey

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Introduction

Dryburgh Abbey’s remnants may be seen in the Scottish Borders, close to Melrose at the point where the rivers Tweed and Ettrick Water meet. It’s one of my favourite spots to visit in the region, and it makes for a terrific break on a drive across the Borders or a day trip from Edinburgh.

Facilities

• Parking. The visitor centre at Dryburgh Abbey has disabled parking and parking for cars and coaches. There are also spaces for motorbikes, bicycles, and horse-drawn carriages.
• Toilets. The toilets at Dryburgh Abbey are accessible to wheelchair users, with baby changing facilities also available.
• Shop. You can buy souvenirs, books, maps and other items in the shop at Dryburgh Abbey, located at the visitor centre. A gift shop selling Scottish gifts and souvenirs is also open during the summer months (May–September).
• Tourist information desk: The staff at this desk will be able to advise you about places of interest nearby or within easy reach by footpaths from the abbey grounds. They may also have information on local bus services if you wish to travel further afield on your visit here – just ask! Also available are guided tours around both parts of the property (the ruined abbey and its Victorian restoration) by reservation only, so please call ahead if interested in learning more about this fascinating site without prior knowledge!

About Dryburgh Abbey

Hugh de Morville, Lord of Lauderdale, established Dryburgh Abbey in 1150, with the help of monks from Kelso Abbey. The town gave the abbey its name, despite being consecrated to Mary, Cuthbert, and Bridget.

Despite his monastic vows, he was engaged in local politics and the construction of Melrose Abbey. The building of Dryburgh Abbey, which started in 1244, was the most extensive undertaking.

Early History of the Abbey

Around 1175, Walter Stewart was born, making him Scotland’s sixth High Steward. His lifetime coincided with Scotland’s illustrious “Golden Age” (and saw his country lose its independence). Large swaths of territory in Lothian had been granted to his father, Walter Fitz Alan, by King David I. The huge estate, which included significant holdings at Dunbar and Borthwick Castles, was eventually bequeathed to Walter.

When Alexander II of Scotland made the family his hereditary guardians or wardens of Edinburgh Castle, the family’s ascent via royal favour continued. But tragedy struck when Alexander became sick on an expedition against King Henry III of England, and he passed away without designating any successors, plunging Scotland into civil strife.

He was King Alexander III of Scotland’s Guardian in 1271 to 1276.

After the Death of Alexander

Without a male successor, Alexander passed the crown to his granddaughter Margaret, Maid of Norway, after his death in 1286. After her untimely maritime death in 1290, another great council was called to choose Scotland’s next monarch. King John Balliol was chosen by this council (Balliol had previously been deposed by Edward I). A brief reign was all he got. Once it was clear that nobody else was running for king, the nobles had to decide between Robert Bruce, son of Alexander II, and John de Balliol, son of John Balliol.

Donations and bequests helped Dryburgh prosper, but not without their share of difficulties. The monks of Melrose Abbey and Dryburgh’s prior got into an argument in the 1230s. When they were both a part of Kelso Abbey, the priory over both settlements was shared.
The reign of King Alexander III of Scotland began in 1249 and ended with his death. He was the only child of King Alexander II of Scotland and Marie de Coucy and was born in 1241 at Roxburgh Castle.

On March 19, 1286, at the age of 44, Alexander III passed away.

Dryburgh Abbey Burnt Down

Sir Alexander Ramsay was there at the time of the 1322 Dryburgh Abbey fire. In order to prevent Robert Bruce from seeking refuge there during the Wars of Scottish Independence, Ramsay destroyed the monastery. Historians, meanwhile, are baffled as to why he picked that particular target. Maybe he intended to wipe off any trace of Edward I’s rule in Scotland, or maybe he just wanted to murder something sacred and beautiful because he could.

After being demolished in 1322, the abbey was rebuilt and expanded throughout the 15th century. It was rebuilt in the 19th century after being expanded again between 1611 and 1613. Between 1898 and 1900, the last extensive repairs were made.

Robert II of Scotland was not as religious as his father, Walter Stewart, the sixth High Steward of Scotland, who wanted to reconstruct the destroyed abbey. Since becoming king, he has been making moves to concentrate power in his own hands. After issuing The Declaration of Arbroath in 1369, which established a more robust Parliament, Robert II established the first one in 1328. He declared Scotland’s independence from England and his claim as David I’s legitimate successor (the first king of Scotland). In the same year, he was officially named King Robert II with a ceremony held at Scone Abbey.

After Robert II’s death, David II became king but was eventually kidnapped during the Wars of Independence in 1346. England kept him captive until 1357, when they finally liberated him. David II reigned over much smaller territories after the English invasion, but he maintained his independence by diplomatic rather than military means.

The Treaty of Northampton

England and Scotland agreed to give up their suzerainty claims over each other in the Treaty of Northampton (1328). Despite England’s successful conquest of most of the Lowlands, no common law jurisdictions, such as feudalism or nationality-based jurisdiction, imposed any responsibilities on the inhabitants of either country (ecclesiastical courts). Since they were now deemed citizens under the rules of the other country, traders from both nations could operate more freely without worrying about losing their property rights should they leave the borders of one nation.

The Scottish Borders are home to the ruined abbey of Dryburgh. Building on it started in 1150 and continued until 1560. The earliest known date for the remains is about 1150, with building continuing until 1560. Lord High Steward of Scotland Walter Fitz Alan established it. Until the Reformation in 1560, when it was acquired by the Lyndsay family as a secular lordship, it was occupied by Augustinian friars.

Legends

Dryburgh Abbey is most well-known for the legend of the white woman who is said to still haunt the site. This tale may be told in a number of different ways. Still, there is a connecting thread: she is looking for her missing ring in each of them (taken by her husband on his deathbed).

After hearing that his wife Madeleine had given birth to their son David, King James V is said to have visited Dryburgh Abbey while hunting near Linlithgow Palace. So eager was he to see his new son that he rode over right away; unfortunately, tiny David had passed very soon after birth. When Queen Madeleine found out that something else had taken place at Dryburgh Abbey, she became quite distressed (it seems like everything gets linked back to this place). Through the years, Dryburgh Abbey has been used for a variety of reasons. It served as a religious centre, cemetery, and pilgrimage destination. In addition to being a place of learning, it was a haven for individuals in need of quiet reflection.

In the 12th century, the abbey played home to performances by itinerant singers and dancers; in the 18th century, James Boswell and Samuel Johnson stopped there on their tour of Scotland, though they were likely more interested in reflection than revelry.

Dryburgh Abbey is not just historically significant, but also widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most stunning ecclesiastical buildings (and perhaps even all of Europe).

Dryburgh Hotel

In the heart of Dryburgh, you’ll find the Dryburgh Hotel. Located close to Dryburgh Abbey, this inn has charming accommodations.

Located on the outskirts of Dryburgh, close to the remains of Dryburgh Abbey, lies the Dryburgh Hotel. The structure was constructed in 1847, but due to extensive remodelling, it now looks more like a rural estate from the Edwardian era. These days, visitors to this quaint hotel may make use of convenient conveniences like Wi-Fi and satellite TV throughout their stay.

Wildlife

There are many animals that you can see, hear and smell at Dryburgh Abbey. Some of these animals include:

• Hares – If you’re lucky enough to visit when the hares are around, then you’ll be able to see them hopping about on the lawns. They’re adorable!
• Ducks – There’s a pond in front of the abbey, and ducks live there all year round. They swim about and make quacking noises, which are fun to listen to!
• Squirrels – Like monkeys, these critters can climb trees and swing from branch to branch. You may sometimes hear them chirping joyfully and scurrying about their treetop houses. As a result, seeing this stunning location is like diving headfirst into nature, rather than observing it from a distance via a window or screen (which would still be great fun anyway).

The birds of Dryburgh Abbey are the subject of many poems and songs, but it’s also important to know what kinds of birds you might encounter in the area.

Rare or endangered species:

• Black-throated Diver
• Osprey

Common breeds:

• Great Tit
• Robin

Animals that have been designated as endangered species by international organizations include:

• Atlantic Salmon (salmonid) – Once upon a time, Europe, northern Asia, and North America were all teeming with Atlantic salmon. As a result of severe population decline, however, the IUCN and Environment Canada now list it as an endangered species.

The grounds of Dryburgh Abbey were designed to represent the abbey’s spiritual past. The gardens have a wide variety of natural plant life, including oak and sycamore trees, hawthorn bushes, and wildflowers like buttercups and bluebells.

Shrubs, ferns, and even a lemon tree, all cultivated from seeds at the monastery, populate the grounds.

Conclusion

The grounds of Dryburgh Abbey are a sight to see. It is accessible by automobile, and parking is provided. Dryburgh Abbey is owned by Historic Scotland and is open to the public without charge. Established in the 12th century, the abbey welcomes guests all year long. On the other hand, it was wiped out in 1544 during the Rough Wooing. Wildlife and flora abound at Dryburgh Abbey. The surroundings are lovely, and the hotel just next door is worth a look.