Melrose Abbey
Melrose Abbey was the main Cistercian Monastry of Scotland and became one of the most prosporous religious seats in the country. It is also famously the place where Robert the Bruce 's heart is buried.
Founded in 1136 by King David I, Melrose Abbey was the first and dominant Cistercian Abbey in Scotland drawing monks from the order at Rievaulx in Yorkshire, England . However during the many wars with England, Melrose Abbey, like much of the Scottish Borders was viciously destroyed by Edward I. When the peace was finally settle King Robert Bruce of Scotland pledged money to rebuild Melrose Abbey. When he died King Robert's heart was removed from his body and on his wishes carried to the Holy Lands on the crusades by John Douglas. However he died in Spain and the heart was returned and buried here in Melrose Abbey.
Melrose Abbey would again suffer at the hands of English invaders this time under Richerd II and the ruins of Melrose Abbey today date back from the early 14th Century. The architecture at Melrose is quite unlike any other Cistercian abbey its elaboration, being more renowned for their austerity. As the abbey's popularity grew through to the 15th Century, the wealth was put into creating a beautiful mother abbey at Melrose rich in detail and symbolism. Effigies and gargoyles don all angles of the abbey's ruins from the religious such as the effigy of the Virgin and Child on the western wall, to the bizarre of Melrose Abbey's famous bagpipe playing pig! Part of the presbytery roof are still intact, held together by a criss cross of of beams and carved bosses each boss representing one of the Disciples.
Across from the Abbey is the Commendators House built in the 15th Century, this is now a museum to the Abbey housing some fascinating articfacts rescued from the ruins including some spectacular St Andrews Crosses.
This attraction is included in the Great British Heritage Pass.
