Dryburgh Abbey
The picturesque ruins of Dryburgh Abbey. Photo by Giorgio Raffaelli.
Dryburgh's rose window at dawn. Photo by Dave Fitch.
Dryburgh Abbey. Photo by Anja+Andreas.
Tomb of Sir Walter Scott at Dryburgh. Photo by Markus Schroeder.
Photo by Anja+Andreas.
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.
"Remarkably complete medieval ruins." – Historic Scotland
"Five stars." – Scottish Tourist Board
"It's still a lovely ruin, and its setting in a loop of the Tweed is memorable."
– Frommer's Scotland
History
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
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.
Quick Facts
| Location: | Hwy. A68, Dryburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland |
| Phone: | 01835/822381 |
| By road: | 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. |
| Hours: | 25 March - 30 September: Monday - Sunday, 9.30am - last entry 6.00pm (closes at 6.30pm); 1 October - end March: Monday - Sunday, 9.30am - last entry 4.00pm (closes at 4.30pm); Closed 25th, 26th December and 1st, 2nd January. |
| Cost: | Adult £3.30 Child £1.30 Senior/Discount £2.50 (if you plan to visit several Historic Scotland properties, you might consider an Explorer Pass) |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Dryburgh Abbey. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Scotland Map or get our free Google Earth download.
More Information
- Dryburgh Abbey Official Site
- Dryburgh Abbey Reviews - TripAdvisor
- Dryburgh Abbey – Undiscovered Scotland
- Dryburgh Abbey – Catholic Encyclopedia
