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 of Dryburgh Abbey

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 at Dryburgh Abbey

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 on Dryburgh Abbey

Site Information
Names:	Dryburgh Abbey
Categories:	monasteries; abbeys; ruins
Styles:	Gothic
Dates:	1152
Status:	ruins
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	55.577092° N, 2.649733° W
Address:	Hwy. A68 Dryburgh, 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
Lodging:	View hotels near Dryburgh Abbey

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Dryburgh Abbey Official Site
2. Dryburgh Abbey Reviews - TripAdvisor
3. Dryburgh Abbey – Undiscovered Scotland
4. Dryburgh Abbey – Catholic Encyclopedia
5. Floor Plan of Dryburgh Abbey - Planetware

More Information

• Photos of Dryburgh Abbey - here on Sacred Destinations