On This Day In History: Dryburgh Abbey One Of Most Beautiful Of All Border Abbeys Of Scotland Founded – On Nov 10, 1150

AncientPages.com - On November 10, 1150, the Scottish Dryburgh Abbey was founded, and it is believed that construction works continued for most of the following century.

Dryburgh Abbey, located near Dryburgh on the banks of the River Tweed, is perhaps the most beautiful of all Border Abbeys of Scotland.

Despite being an ancient building and having been set on fire three times, its ruins are still recognizable and beautiful.

The abbey became the premier house in Scotland of the Premonstratensian order, founded in 1120 by Saint Norbert, who later became Archbishop of Magdeburg.

The monks had white robes and came initially from Laon in Northern France. However, those who helped found Dryburgh came from the Premonstratensians who lived in Alnwick Abbey, dated to the 12th century and located at  Alnwick, Northumberland, England.

The beautiful ruins of the Dryburgh Abbey became the burial place of the eccentric David Eskrine, 11th Earl of Buchan in 1829, who founded the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 1780.

The Presbytery, the East End of the Abbey Church. Image credit: Undiscovered Scotland

Additionally, his friend Sir Walter Scott was buried three years later.

The abbey's chapter, remarkably well preserved, features paintwork dating back to its construction and today boasts some of the best Gothic architecture in Scotland.

Most of the abbey, apart from the cloisters, is accessible through the main gates.

Dryburgh's location meant it unavoidably became caught up in the wars between England and Scotland.

It is said that in 1322 Edward II's army, retreating south to England, took exception to the sound of the bells of Dryburgh Abbey celebrating their defeat.

They burned it down.

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