There has been a church on this site since the 9th century. The Augustinian order took it over in the 11th century and the old church was replaced by the present magnificent building in the early 1200s.
Wars with the English drove the monks out by the end of the 13th century. The Abbey was reconstructed and again part destroyed several more times during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Despite these trials it is one of the best preserved of the Border abbeys.
1/11 The abbey church from the south.
2/11 The east end of the abbey church with the ruins of the chapter house in the foreground.
3/11 One of the ornately decorated entrances to the main body of the church.
4/11 Looking west down the 100 metre length of the church from the east.
5/11 Stonework at the east end of the church.
6/11 Decorative roofing at the east end.
7/11 Mausoleum in the burying ground.
8/11 16th and 17th century grave slabs in the burying ground.
9/11 Looking east down the length of the church.
10/11 Another view to the east.
11/11 Looking to the southeast.
Nearby Sites
22km Burgh Hill Stone Circle
(NB: All distances are as-the-crow-flies. Lochs, mountains and beautiful winding roads will make it further. Sometimes much further.)