Arbroath Abbey
|
|
Arbroath Abbey was founded in 1178 by King William the Lion for a group of Tironesian Benedictine monks from Kelso. It was consecrated in 1197 with a dedication to the deceased Saint Thomas Becket, whom the king had met at the English court. It was William's only personal foundation — he was buried within its precincts in 1214.
The last of the abbots was Cardinal Beaton, who in 1522 succeeded his uncle James when he later became archbishop of St Andrews. It is now under the supervision of the government and is open to the public. The sandstone ruins stand at the top of the High Street in Arbroath.
History
King William gave the abbey independence from its mother church and endowed it generously, including income from 24 parishes, land in every royal borough and more. The abbey's monks were allowed to run a market and build a harbour. King John of England gave the abbey permission to buy and sell goods anywhere in England (except London) toll-free.
The abbey is most well-known for its association with the Declaration of Arbroath, which is believed to have been drafted by Bernard de Linton, who was abbot at that time.
Since 1947, a pageant commemorating the declaration's signing has been held within the roofless remains of the abbey. The celebration is run by a local group, the Arbroath Abbey Pageant Society, and tells the story of the events which led up to the signing.
The abbey fell into ruin after the Reformation. From 1590 onward, its stones were raided to build things for the town of Arbroath. This continued until 1815 when steps were taken to preserve the remaining ruins.
On Christmas Day 1950, the Stone of Destiny was stolen from Westminster Abbey. On April 11, 1951, the missing stone was found lying on the site of the abbey's altar.
Modern day
In the summer of 2001 a new visitor's centre opened to the public. This wave-shaped building houses a number of historical displays, and features a viewing gallery from which the abbey can be seen. The centre won the 2002 Angus Design Award for its distinctive use of red sandstone and natural materials, including a moss-covered roof.
Arbroath_Abbey2.jpg
The abbey's nave was mainly of an Early English architectural style, while the western gable was Norman. The cruciform church measured 276 feet long by 160 feet wide. What remains today are the vestry, the southern transept (including its famous rose-lit window), part of the chancel, the southern hall of the nave, part of the entrance towers and the western doorway.
The abbey features a distinctive round 'O' shape cut high into the main building. This window was originally lit up as a beacon for mariners.
External links
- Undiscovered Scotland's detailed history (http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/arbroath/arbroathabbey/)
- http://www.angus.gov.uk/history/features/buildings/arbabbey.htm
- http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/op_ourproperties_searchdetail.asp?id=90018
- http://mysite.freeserve.com/arbroathabbeypageant/
- 2002 Angus Design Award (http://www.angus.gov.uk/new/releases-archive/2003/2003-02-07a.html)