Scottish

Towns

Arbroath Abbey

Founded in 1178 by William the Lion (who is buried in the sacristy), Arbroath Abbey was originally a Cluniac priory until 1233, when it was taken over by Tironesian monks from Kelso (a Scottish Borders town). Dedicated to Thomas a Becket it continued to flourish well beyond the Reformation until, in 1606, it was declared a 'temporal lordship'. From this time it gradually fell into decay through disuse and neglect. The Abbot's House (a small museum) contains the headless effigy which is believed be that of William the Lion. It was here in 1320 that the Declaration of Arbroath was signed after a meeting of the Estates of Scotland. It is a lengthy document, written in Latin (the author unknown) to the Pope asking for intervention in the increasingly bloody disputes between the Scots and their English neighbours. The Declaration may be read by clicking here The row of houses to the north of Catherdral Street, built after the battle, was presented to the National Trust for Scotland by the Atholl Estates in 1954. They have been beautifully restored and attract visitors from far and wide. © The Perfect Solution Last updated November 1999