Melrose Abbey

Melrose Abbey, located in Melrose, Scotland, was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks, on the request of King David I of Scotland.

Related Topics:
Melrose, Scotland - 1136 - Cistercian - David I of Scotland

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The east end of the abbey was completed in 1146 — other buildings in the complex were added over the next 50 years. The abbey was built in the form of a St. John's cross (a Gothic style of architecture). A considerable portion of the abbey is now in ruins, though a structure dating from 1590 is maintained as a museum open to the public.

Related Topics:
1146 - Gothic - 1590

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Alexander II and other Scottish kings and nobles are buried at the abbey. The embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce is also said to rest on the abbey's grounds, having been brought back from the Crusades. In 1812, a stone coffin that some speculated was that of Michael Scot the philosopher and "wizard", was found in an aisle in the abbey's south chancel.

Related Topics:
Alexander II - Robert the Bruce - Crusades - 1812 - Michael Scot

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The abbey today is maintained by Historic Scotland. It is known for its many carved decorative details, including likenesses of saints, dragons, gargoyles and plants. On one of the abbey's stairways is an inscription by John Morow, a master mason, that says: "Be halde to ye hende" (Keep in mind, the end, your salvation), which has become the town of Melrose's motto.

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