Abbeys & priories · Scottish Highlands
Arbroath Abbey
Arbroath Abbey — abbey in Arbroath, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Wikimedia Commons contributors — see linked file page for photographer and licence licence
Plan your visit
- Typical visit
- 45 min–1.5 h
- Nearest railway station
- Arbroath · 0.6 km
- Family-friendly
- Limited wheelchair access
About
Arbroath Abbey is an abbey, priory, or monastic site in the United Kingdom. Records date its origin to 1178. Heritage designation: scheduled monument. Affiliated with Catholicism. Address: DD11 1EG. Wikidata describes it as: "abbey in Arbroath, Scotland, United Kingdom". Coordinates: 56.5625°, -2.5822°.
Photo gallery
Heritage listing
Arbroath Abbey, in the Scottish town of Arbroath, was founded in 1178 by King William the Lion for a group of Tironensian Benedictine monks from Kelso Abbey. 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 before the high altar of the church in 1214. The last Abbot was Cardinal David Beaton, who in 1522 succeeded his uncle James to become Archbishop of St Andrews. The Abbey is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public throughout the year (entrance charge).
From Historic Environment Scotland under OGL v3.
From Historic Environment Scotland
Explore the extensive ruins of a superb medieval abbey, founded by King William I, in honour of his murdered friend Archbishop Thomas Becket.
Read more on the official property page.
From the Wikipedia article
Arbroath Abbey, in the Scottish town of Arbroath, was founded in 1178 by King William the Lion for a group of Tironensian Benedictine monks from Kelso Abbey. 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 before the high altar of the church in 1214. The last Abbot was Cardinal David Beaton, who in 1522 succeeded his uncle James to become Archbishop of St Andrews. The Abbey is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public throughout the year (entrance charge). The distinctive red sandstone ruins stand at the top of the High Street in Arbroath.
Excerpt from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. See the source article linked in Sources below.
Background
History
, depicting the murder of St Thomas]] King William gave the Abbey independence from its founding abbey, Kelso Abbey, and endowed it generously, including income from 24 parishes, land in every royal burgh 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 fell into ruin after the Reformation. From 1590 onward, its stones were raided for buildings in 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 went missing from Westminster Abbey. On 11…
Sourced from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Coordinates
- 56.5625, -2.5822
- District
- Angus
- Postcode
- DD11 1EG
- Parliamentary constituency
- Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
- Established
- 1178
- Nearest railway station
- Arbroath — 0.6 km
- Opening
- Mar 29-Sep 30 10:00-12:30,13:30-16:30; Oct 01-Mar 28 10:00-12:30,13:30-16:00
- Official site
- www.historicenvironment.scot
Sources
- wikidata: Q630683 (CC0)
- wikipedia: Arbroath Abbey (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- commons: Arbroath abbey nave 01.jpg (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Arbroath Abbey?
- Arbroath Abbey is in the Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (postcode DD11 1EG).
- When was Arbroath Abbey built?
- Built or established in 1178.
- Is Arbroath Abbey a listed building?
- Arbroath Abbey is officially recognised as scheduled monument listed.
- How do I get to Arbroath Abbey?
- The nearest railway station is Arbroath, about 0.6 km away. Drivers can navigate to postcode DD11 1EG.