Coupar Angus Abbey facts for kids
The only surviving remains of the abbey, supposedly the gatehouse
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Abbey of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Coupar |
| Order | Cistercian |
| Established | 1162 |
| Disestablished | 1606 |
| Mother house | Melrose Abbey |
| Dedicated to | Virgin Mary |
| Diocese | Diocese of St Andrews |
| Controlled churches | Airlie; Alvah; Bendochy; Dunnottar (?); Errol; Fossoway; Glenisla; Inchmartin; Meathie |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Máel Coluim IV, King of the Scots |
| Important associated figures | William de Benin, Thomas Livingston, Donald Campbell |
| Site | |
| Location | Coupar Angus, Scotland |
| Visible remains | Only partial remains of the gatehouse |
Coupar Angus Abbey was once a large Cistercian monastery. It was located near Coupar Angus in central Scotland. This area is on the border between Angus and Gowrie.
This important abbey was home to monks for over 400 years. It was a place of worship and learning. Today, only a few parts of the abbey remain.
Contents
The Abbey's Beginning
Coupar Angus Abbey was started around the year 1162. It was built on land that belonged to the king. King Malcolm IV of Scotland helped to set it up. He was the "patron" or supporter of the abbey.
Who Built the Abbey?
The first monks came from Melrose Abbey. They were part of the Cistercian order. This was a group of Christian monks who followed strict rules. They lived simple lives and focused on prayer and work.
A Rich and Important Place
Over time, Coupar Angus Abbey grew. It became quite large and wealthy. It was an important center for the local area. In 1559, the head of the abbey, Abbot Donald Campbell, gave control of it to his friend, Katherine Campbell.
What Happened to the Abbey?
The abbey's long history came to an end in the 1600s. This was a time of big changes in Scotland. Many religious buildings were changed or destroyed.
The Abbey's End
In 1606, the Scottish Parliament decided to change the abbey. It was no longer a monastery. Instead, it became a secular lordship for James Elphinstone. A "secular lordship" meant it was controlled by a nobleman, not by monks.
What Remains Today?
Sadly, most of the abbey was destroyed. Some parts were burned by Protestant reformers. Today, very little of the original building is left.
- You can still see some parts of what was likely the old gatehouse.
- Some beautiful stone pieces from the abbey are kept in the local church. These include parts of old tombs.
- Other small pieces of the abbey's stonework can be found in walls around the town of Coupar Angus.
The Mystery of the Ley Tunnel
There's an interesting local story about a secret tunnel. In the 1800s, women supposedly found a "Ley tunnel" near the churchyard.
A Hidden Passage
One story says a woman went into the tunnel and was never seen again! Later, in 1982, a local builder found the entrance again. He went in a little way but found that the tunnel had caved in.
Where Did it Go?
People say this tunnel might have stretched for about two and a half miles. It was believed to lead to an ancient underground passage called a souterrain at a place called Pitcur.
Protecting History
Even though most of the abbey is gone, its remains are still very important.
Scheduled Monuments
Both the abbey's gatehouse and the area where the abbey once stood are protected. They are called "scheduled monuments". This means they are important historical sites that must be preserved.
