Melrose Abbey and the heart o' Bruce

[cessna152towser]

Melrose Abbey, founded in 1136, is now in the care of Historic Scotland.

The Abbey was largely destroyed by the English in 1385, so most of what still stands dates from the 15th century, though there are also foundations of the monks' quarters of the original abbey.

Best appreciated by standing well back for an overall view, seen from the north-west with remains of monks' living quarters in foreground, Eildon Hills in background.

The cloisters in the foreground date from the 15th century.

From the entrance shop we approach the abbey from the west, looking successively through the Nave, the Monks' Choir, the Crossing and the Presbytery.

Kilted in the Abbey.

The Crossing

In the Monks' Choir

[cessna152towser]

Looking up at the tower

The ruins still rise to an impressive height.

We can still climb the spiral staircase to the Bell Tower, seen here with the Eildon Hills as a backdrop.....

.......and look back down into the transepts.

[cessna152towser]

A view from the bell tower.

Looking down from the bell tower to the Presbytery.

A view down the outer wall into the graveyard.

There is a fairly extensive graveyard attached to Melrose Abbey.

An interpretation notice explains the ancient Scottish tradition of burying the heart in a lead casket.

Robert the Bruce's Heart is buried within this chamber.

At Bruce's grave.
His heart is encased here, though the remainder of his body is in a separate grave at Dunfermline Abbey.

[cessna152towser]

Basement Latrine Pit, flushed by the Great Drain.

Concluding this photo tour with these 15th century cloisters.

[Rusty]

Thanks for the great photo's. It's a great pity our ancestors had to destroy buildings such as these

[thescot]

Cessna, with those photos, I feel the need to actually walk there increase.

Thank you so much for the photographic tour. Your pictures are always better than the commercial ones we see.

[sjrapid]

Thanks C152T! Great pics. As others have siad - makes you want to go there yourself.

Best regards

[Eujeankilt]

Stunning photos. It's hard to believe anything we build today will be standing in 9 centuries like this abbey has. They just don't build them like they used to.

Thanks Alex.


Dale

[Cawdorian]

Thanks for posting the wonderful pictures, I enjoy all of your photo essays.

[McMurdo]

Thanks Alex
Lovely shots as always, they really do make me want to see all these places for myself.