26 April, 2013
After picking up our hire car we set off for a return trip to Melrose SE of Edinburgh as we wanted to see a number of sites along the way as well as two famous Abbeys. This was to be a very long day and it was bitterly cold so we rugged up well!
Our first tourist stop was Scott's View overlooking the beautiful Eildon Hills and the River Tweed.
Apparently this was Sir Walter Scott's (the author's) favourite view as he travelled to and from his home. After his death in 1832, the story that is told is that the horses drawing his carriage to his funeral at Dryburgh Abbey stopped at Scott's View on their own volition.
(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)
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| Scott's View Marker |
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| Eildon Hiills
Our next stop was at the ruins of the magnificent Dryburgh Abbey which is on the banks of the River Tweed in a very picturesque setting. The Abbey was founded in 1150 by the canon monks, burned by English troops in 1322, restored in 1385 and finally destroyed by fire in 1544. The 12th Earl of Buchan bought the land in 1786. Many famous Scotsmen have chosen to be buried in the peaceful grounds among them Sir Walter Scott and Douglas Haig of WW I fame.
Dryburgh Abbey
Bits and Pieces of the Abbey
Dryburg Abbey
Tom, and all of us, found it just a tad COLD as we strolled around the grounds and found this rather odd memorial that we couldn't work out who it was for.
This ancient yew tree growing in the Abbey grounds was supposedly planted by the monks in 1136!
Ancient Yew Tree
 
Today many people have decided to be buried in the tranquil grounds of Dryburgh Abbey
Some of the Modern Headstones in the grounds of the Abbey
We came across this rather grotesque statue of William Wallace ( of Braveheart fame) as we were heading towards Melrose.
William Wallace Statue
After finally arriving at Melrose we enjoyed morning tea at this cute little café opposite the spectacular Melrose Abbey.
John and Roslyn Hayes and Fran in our winter layers enjoying a cuppa!
The exquisite Melrose Abbey is a ruined Gothic-style abbey which was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks, on the request of King David I of Scotland. It was headed by the Abbot of Melrose and became the mother church of the order in Scotland.
In 1322 the town of Melrose was attacked by the army of Edward II and much of the Abbey was destroyed. It was rebuilt by order of King Robert the Bruce around 1330. The Abbey is the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds.
In 1385 the Abbey was burned by the army of Richard II of England and then rebuilt over a period of about 100 years only to be badly damaged again in 1544 which lead to it's final demise in 1610 when a portion of it was converted to a parish church. It was used until 1810 when a new church was erected in the town.
   
Could it have looked like this?
Some of the Headstones scattered around the grounds.
Robert the Bruce's Heart is thought to be buried under here
Today the splendid ruins of Melrose Abbey are famous as a tourist destination and as the ruins are known for its many carved decorative details, including likenesses of saints, dragons, gargoyles and plants. If you are heading that way we would certainly recommend a visit. |
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