Dundrennan Abbey Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Dundrennan Abbey
Monastery information

Order	Cistercian
Established	1142
Disestablished	1606
Mother house	Rievaulx Abbey
Diocese	Diocese of Galloway
Controlled churches	Kirkmabreck; Rerrick (Dundrennan)
People
Founder(s)	Fergus of Galloway
Important associated figures	Thomas Livingston

Dundrennan Abbey

Dundrennan Abbey is an old Cistercian monastery in Dundrennan, Scotland. It is close to Kirkcudbright. This abbey was built in the Romanesque style.

It was started in 1142 by Fergus of Galloway. Monks from Rievaulx Abbey also helped. King David I of Scotland was involved too.

Even though much of it is now in ruins, Dundrennan Abbey is known for its beautiful and simple design. This design shows the strict rules of the Cistercian monks. The abbey was built from strong grey sandstone. This means its original shapes and details are still very clear today.

A Royal Visitor: Mary, Queen of Scots
The Abbey's Story
Burials at the Abbey
Images for kids
See also

A Royal Visitor: Mary, Queen of Scots

Abbot's Monument

A very famous person stayed at Dundrennan Abbey. Mary, Queen of Scots spent her last night in Scotland here. This was in 1568, after she lost the Battle of Langside.

From a nearby place called Port Mary, she crossed the Solway Firth. She sailed to Workington in England. Soon after, the English captured her and put her in prison.

The Abbey's Story

Dundrennan Abbey was founded in 1142. It was a home for Cistercian monks. These monks lived a simple life. They spent their time praying and working.

In 1587, Scotland went through a big change called the Scottish Reformation. After this, the abbey's land became property of the Crown. The abbey was no longer used as a monastery.

Over time, the buildings fell into ruin. People even used parts of it to keep farm animals. Today, Historic Environment Scotland looks after the site. It is a protected historical place.