Kelso Abbey facts for kids
Kelso Abbey
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kelso Abbey |
| Order | Tironensian |
| Established | Community first established at Selkirk c. 1113, moved to Kelso 1128. |
| Disestablished | 1559 |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | David I of Scotland |
| Site | |
| Location | Kelso, Scottish Borders, Scotland |
| Visible remains | Fragments: Western Crossing, Infirmary. |
| Public access | Yes |
Kelso Abbey is an old, ruined abbey in Kelso, Scotland. It was started in the 1100s by a group of monks called Tironensians. They first came to Scotland when King Alexander I was ruling.
The abbey is built where the Tweed and Teviot rivers meet. This spot was once the important town of Roxburgh, planned as a main center for Scotland in the south. So, Kelso became home to a very powerful abbey in the Scottish Borders area.
In the 1300s, Roxburgh was often attacked by English forces. The monks at Kelso survived these attacks. They rebuilt the abbey after it was damaged, keeping its Scottish identity. Life at the abbey became more peaceful after 1460. But in the early 1500s, it was attacked again. By the mid-1500s, the abbey stopped working and the building became a ruin.
We haven't fully dug up the Kelso Abbey site yet. But it seems it was a very large building with two main crossing areas. Today, only the west tower and part of the old hospital (infirmary) are still standing. The tower's huge size and strong Romanesque style show it was a big, tough building. This proves how important Roxburgh was when the abbey was at its strongest.
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How Kelso Abbey Was Started
Kelso Abbey was founded in Roxburgh in 1128. It was built by a group of Tironesian monks from Tiron, a town in France. These monks first came to Scotland around 1113. This was thanks to David I, who was then a prince. He helped them start their community near Selkirk.
We don't know exactly why the monks left Selkirk in 1128. But David, who was now the King of Scots, was making Roxburgh a big center for trade and government in Southern Scotland. He also set up the royal mint there.
Building the abbey likely started right away. By 1143, it was ready enough to be dedicated. It was given to The Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint John. King David's son, Henry, Earl of Northumbria, was buried at the abbey in 1152. He died before his father.
Why the Abbey Was Destroyed
Kelso Abbey stopped working mostly because of events in the mid-1500s. First, in the 1540s, the building was badly damaged. This happened during attacks ordered by the English king, Henry VIII. These attacks were part of a conflict called the Rough Wooing. Many abbeys in southern Scotland, like Melrose, Dryburgh, and Jedburgh, were also destroyed.
After these physical attacks, the abbey faced another change in 1560. This was the Scottish Reformation, which meant the Tironensian monks at Kelso were no longer officially recognized.
Some monks might have stayed at the site for a few years after 1560. But after more attacks and damage, the abbey was officially declared abandoned in 1587.
By the late 1500s, the abbey's lands were no longer controlled by the church. In 1607, they were given to Robert Ker of Cesford. He was the last person in charge of the abbey's income.
What Happened After the Reformation
Between 1647 and 1771, a part of the abbey ruins was used as a local church. Other parts of the building were taken apart. Locals used the stones to build houses in the town of Kelso. The church built after the Reformation was a small, arched building. It was put inside the west crossing area around 1748. This changed building also had a small prison.
In 1805, large parts of the ruins were cleared away. This included the parish church and the prison. Only the abbey's west tower and crossing area are left today. A newer part was added in 1933. This was a memorial cloister for the 8th Duke of Roxburghe. It was designed by Reginald Fairlie to look like the original cloisters.
Burials at Kelso Abbey
- Prince Henry of Scotland (1114–1152), who was the Earl of Northumbria and Huntingdon.
- Several of the Dukes of Roxburghe and members of their family.
Visiting Kelso Abbey
The ruins are looked after by Historic Scotland. There is no charge to enter.
Tourism and Walking Trails
Kelso Abbey is one of five abbeys and historic sites in southern Scotland. These sites are part of the Borders Abbeys Way walking trail.
See also
In Spanish: Abadía de Kelso para niños
