Dunfermline Abbey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dunfermline Abbey |
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Dunfermline Abbey from Pittencrieff Park
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 Dunfermline Abbey
Location in Scotland
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| 56°04′12″N 3°27′49″W / 56.0699°N 3.4636°W | |
| Location | Dunfermline, Fife |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| Previous denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1128 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish Church |
| Architect(s) | William Burn |
| Style | Romanesque |
| Completed | 1250 |
Dunfermline Abbey is a famous Church of Scotland parish church. It is located in the town of Dunfermline, Fife, in Scotland. The church stands on the site of a much older, large medieval abbey. This abbey was built by Benedictine monks.
Sadly, the old abbey was damaged in 1560 during a time called the Scottish Reformation. Many parts fell into ruin. However, some parts of the old abbey church were still used. Even today, some of the original abbey buildings remain.
Contents
History of Dunfermline Abbey
How the Abbey Started
The Benedictine Abbey of the Holy Trinity and St Margaret was officially started in 1128. It was founded by King David I of Scotland. But the idea for a church here was even older. It came from his father, King Máel Coluim mac Donnchada (also known as "Malcolm III" or "Malcolm Canmore"), and his wife, Queen St Margaret.
The first leader of the abbey was Geoffrey of Canterbury. He was a prior (a type of monk leader) from a monastery in England. This English monastery probably sent the first monks to Dunfermline.
At its most powerful, the abbey was very important. It controlled four towns and a lot of land across Scotland.
In the years after it was founded, the abbey received many gifts. People donated 26 altars, showing how important it was. It was also a popular place for pilgrims (people on religious journeys). This was because it held the shrine of Saint Margaret. People believed she had founded the abbey.
The oldest church, called the Church of the Holy Trinity, is underneath the beautiful Romanesque nave. This part was built in the 12th century.
In the winter of 1303, Edward I of England stayed at the abbey. When he left the next year, most of the buildings were burned.
Later Years of the Abbey
During the Scottish Reformation, the abbey church was changed by Protestants in 1559. It was badly damaged in March 1560. By 1563, the choir (the part where the monks sang) and a special chapel had no roofs. The nave (the main part of the church) was also in bad shape. Its walls were so damaged it was dangerous to go inside.
However, some parts of the abbey still stand today. These include a large refectory (dining hall) and rooms above the gatehouse. The nave was also saved. It was repaired in 1570 by Robert Drummond of Carnock.
Later, in 1672, parts of the east end of the church fell down. In 1716, part of the central tower also collapsed. This probably made other parts around it unstable. The east wall fell in 1726. The central tower completely collapsed in 1753.
The nave was used as the local church until the 1800s. Now, it is the entrance hall of a newer church. This new church opened in 1821. It stands where the old choir and transepts (the arms of the cross-shaped church) used to be. It looks different from the original building.
Next to the abbey are the ruins of Dunfermline Palace. This palace was also part of the original abbey complex. It was connected to the abbey through the gatehouse.
Dunfermline Abbey is one of Scotland's most important historical places. More Scottish kings and queens are buried here than anywhere else, except Iona. An important poet named Robert Henryson is also connected to the abbey. The tomb of Saint Margaret and Malcolm Canmore was repaired by Queen Victoria. It is inside the ruined walls of the Lady chapel.
Dunfermline Abbey Today
The building you see today, where the old choir used to be, is a parish church. It is part of the Church of Scotland. It is still called Dunfermline Abbey. The minister (the church leader) since 2012 is the Reverend MaryAnn R. Rennie.
Architecture of the Abbey
The old abbey building was a great example of simple but strong Romanesque style. You can see this in the nave. It also has a beautiful doorway at its west (front) side. King Alexander I had two towers built next to this main entrance.
Another beautiful Romanesque doorway was found in the south wall in 1903. Workers were preparing a spot for a memorial to soldiers from the Second Boer War. They found a new spot for the memorial so this old and lovely entrance could be saved.
The old building is looked after by the public. Many people have also given money to add beautiful stained-glass windows. The design of the Afghan Church in Mumbai, India, was inspired by the door and right side of Dunfermline Abbey.
Important Burials and Events
Dunfermline Abbey is a very special burial place for Scottish royalty.
- Saint Margaret of Scotland was buried here in 1093. Her remains were moved to a special shrine in 1250 after she was made a saint. Her husband, Malcolm III, was also buried next to her.
- Duncan II of Scotland in 1094.
- Edgar of Scotland in 1107.
- Alexander I of Scotland in 1124, and his queen Sybilla de Normandy in 1122.
- David I of Scotland in 1153, and his queen Maud, Countess of Huntingdon in 1130.
- Malcolm IV of Scotland in 1165.
- Alexander III of Scotland in 1286. His first wife Margaret of England (1275) and their sons David (1281) and Alexander (1284) are also buried here.
- Elizabeth de Burgh, wife of Robert I of Scotland, in 1327.
- Robert the Bruce was buried here in 1329. His heart is in Melrose, but his bones are in Dunfermline Abbey. His skeleton was found in 1818. It was reburied with a special ceremony under the pulpit of the new church. A special brass marker was placed on the floor in 1891 to show where the royal tomb is.
- Matilda of Scotland, daughter of Robert I of Scotland, in 1353.
- Anabella Drummond, wife of Robert III and mother of James I, in 1401.
- Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany in 1420.
- Bishop James Bruce in 1447.
- George Durie (died 1577) has a memorial here.
- Robert Pitcairn (commendator) (died 1584) has a memorial here.
- Charles I, the last British king born in Scotland, was born here in 1600.
- William Schaw, a Master of Work for the Scottish Crown, was buried here in 1602. You can still see his tomb.
- David Lindsay, 1st Lord Balcarres was married here in 1611.
Other Burials
See also
- Abbot of Dunfermline
- Abbeys and priories in Scotland
- List of Church of Scotland parishes
- List of places in Fife
- Robert Henryson
Images for kids
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In Spanish: Abadía de Dunfermline para niños
