Paisley Abbey facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Paisley Abbey
Paisley Abbey and grounds
Location	Abbey Close Paisley, Renfrewshire
Country	Scotland
Denomination	Church of Scotland
Previous denomination	Roman Catholic
History
Status	Parish kirk
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Category A
Designated	1971
Architectural type	Church
Years built	7th century 1163
Administration
Presbytery	Clyde

Paisley Abbey is a historic church located in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland. It sits on the east bank of the White Cart Water, about 7 miles west of Glasgow. The abbey's story began in the 12th century as a Cluniac monastery. After the Reformation in the 16th century, it became a parish kirk (church) for the Church of Scotland.

History of Paisley Abbey
Points of Interest
Current Use
Notable Burials
See also

History of Paisley Abbey

It is believed that Saint Mirin started a community here in the 7th century. Later, a special shrine to Saint Mirin was built, making it a popular place for people to visit. The name Paisley might come from the old Brythonic word Passeleg, meaning 'major church'. This suggests the site was important even in early times.

Founding the Priory

In 1163, Walter fitz Alan, the first High Steward of Scotland, decided to set up a priory in Paisley. He invited about 13 monks from a priory in England to start the new community. This priory was dedicated to several saints, including Mary and Saint Mirin.

Becoming an Abbey and Challenges

Paisley grew very quickly. By 1245, it became an abbey, which is a larger and more important monastery. Monks from Paisley even went on to found another abbey, Crossraguel Abbey, in 1244.

However, the abbey faced tough times. In 1307, Edward I of England had the abbey burned down. It was rebuilt later in the 14th century. William Wallace, a famous Scottish hero, is thought to have studied at the abbey when he was a boy.

Royal Connections

In 1316, Marjorie Bruce, who was the daughter of Robert I of Scotland (Robert the Bruce) and wife of Walter Stewart, had an accident near the abbey. She was pregnant and was taken to the abbey for help. Her son, King Robert II, was born there. Marjorie Bruce was later buried at the abbey. A stone pile, called a cairn, marks the spot where she supposedly fell.

In 1491, James IV of Scotland received forgiveness from the Pope at the abbey for his role in the death of his father, James III. By 1499, Abbot George Shaw had built a new chapel for pilgrims. He also added a stone carving called a frieze, which shows scenes from the life of Saint Mirin. This frieze can still be seen today.

Paisley Abbey from the south east

Reconstruction and Restoration

Over the years, fires and the collapse of the tower in the 15th and 16th centuries damaged the abbey. Part of the building was ruined, and stones were taken from the eastern section.

From 1858 to 1928, parts of the abbey, including the north porch and the eastern choir, were rebuilt. Architects Macgregor Chalmers and Sir Robert Lorimer worked on these important restorations.

Points of Interest

Paisley Abbey is a special place with many interesting features. It is the burial site for six High Stewards of Scotland. Marjorie Bruce, the mother of Robert II, and the wives of Robert II are also buried here.

The ancient Celtic Barochan Cross, which dates back to the 10th century, is now kept inside the abbey. In the abbey's main area, called the nave, you can see the Wallace Memorial Window. This window shows the image of Samson and was given to the abbey in 1873.

Paisley Abbey Drain

A hidden tunnel, known as the Paisley Abbey Drain, was first mentioned in 1829 when workers accidentally fell into it. Its importance wasn't fully understood then, and it was forgotten. It was "re-discovered" in 1990.

This tunnel runs for about 90 meters from the abbey to the White Cart River. It is thought to have been built between 1350 and 1400. The drain is quite large, up to 2 meters wide and 2.2 meters high. You can see stonemasons' marks on the walls inside. To explore it, water has to be pumped out first.

The Paisley Abbey Drain is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is similar to drains found at other old monasteries. You can even take a virtual tour of the drain online!

Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeologists have explored the drain several times since 1996. They have found many interesting items, some of which are now on display in the abbey.

These finds include:

a slate with music written on it – believed to be the oldest example of polyphonic music found in Scotland.
imported cloth seals.
chamber pots from around 1500.
tweezers.
carved bone handles.
pottery fragments.
slate fragments.

Tombs and Burials

The grave of Robert III, Paisley Abbey

In the choir area, there is a tomb with a restored statue of a woman. Many believe this is the tomb of Marjorie Bruce. While we don't know if she is buried exactly there, her remains are thought to be within the abbey.

Across from Marjorie Bruce's tomb are the tombs of Robert III of Scotland and Simon fitz Alan. There is also an inscription remembering three children of Margaret Seton and Claud Hamilton, 1st Lord Paisley who died as babies.

Stained Glass Windows

The main east window of Paisley Abbey by Douglas Strachan (detail)

The original stained glass windows were removed during the Reformation. New ones began to be added in the 1870s. Important windows include one by Edward Burne-Jones and the very large east window by Douglas Strachan. A dramatic memorial window by John Clark, dating from 1989, honors James D. D. Shaw.

Abbey Organ

The choir, organ, and great East Window

The organ at Paisley Abbey is considered one of the best in Scotland. It was first built in 1874 by Cavaillé-Coll of Paris, a famous organ builder. This is one of only six such organs in the UK. The organ has been rebuilt and improved four times since then. In 2009, it underwent a major restoration. It now has 4 keyboards, 65 stops, and 5448 pipes!

Architectural Details Inside and Out

Inside the abbey, you can see twelve angel carvings called corbels and a stone communion table. These were made by Pilkington Jackson, a sculptor known for the Robert the Bruce statue at Bannockburn. The ceiling decorations, called bosses, were designed by Sir Robert Lorimer and carved by James A Young. The choir stalls have many carved animals and were made by William and Alexander Clow.

The "Alien" Gargoyle

One of the abbey's dozens of gargoyles, famous for its resemblance to the xenomorph creature from the film Alien. Erected in the 1990s.

Paisley Abbey has been rebuilt and changed many times over the centuries due to damage. During a restoration project in the 1990s, a stonemason was replacing old stone gargoyles. He created one that looks a lot like the alien creature from the 1979 science fiction movie Alien. A photo of this unique gargoyle became very popular online in 2013.

Current Use

Paisley Abbey from the west, including St Mirin's chapel and the Place of Paisley. On the distant right is the Anchor Mills building.

Paisley Abbey is still an active church today. It holds worship services every Sunday. Since the Reformation, it has served as a parish church for the Church of Scotland. As of 2002, the church had 823 members. The current minister is the Reverend Jim Gibson.

Notable Burials

Many important historical figures are buried at Paisley Abbey:

Walter fitz Alan, 1st High Steward of Scotland (died 1177)
Alan fitz Walter, 2nd High Steward of Scotland (died 1204)
Walter Stewart, 3rd High Steward of Scotland (died 1246)
Beatrix nic Gille Crist-Stewart, Countess of Angus (died 1252)
Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland (died 1282)
Isabella of Mar, first wife of Robert the Bruce (died 1296)
James Stewart, 5th High Steward of Scotland (died 1309)
Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce (died 1316 or 1317)
Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland (died 1327)
Elizabeth Mure, first wife of Robert II (died 1355)
Euphemia de Ross, second wife of Robert II (died 1386)
Robert III, King of Scots (died 1406)
James Stewart of Cardonald (died 1584)
James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Abercorn (died 1618)
Claud Hamilton, 1st Lord Paisley (died 1621)
James Hamilton, 8th Earl of Abercorn (died 1789)
William Cathcart, 1st Earl Cathcart (died 1843)