Sunday 6 July 2014

Sweetheart Abbey

Another place I visited while near Dumfries was Sweetheart Abbey. The abbey was founded in 1275 by Lady Dervorguilla, widow of John Balliol.

It was a daughter house to Dundrennan Abbey and was known as New Abbey

When he died, she had his heart embalmed in a silver casket and carried it with her. When she died, the casket was buried beside in the Cistercian Monastery. The Abbey was renamed in her honour.

Her son, also John Balliol became King of Scotland, but his time as King was short and tragic. He was belittled by King Edward of England.

The graves have sadly been lost.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweetheart_Abbey

http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/propertyresults/propertyabout.htm?PropID=PL_283&PropName=Sweetheart%20Abbey