Balmerino Abbey

Balmerino, United Kingdom

Balmerino Abbey founded in 1227 to 1229 by monks from Melrose Abbey with the patronage of Ermengarde de Beaumont and King Alexander II of Scotland. It remained a daughter house of Melrose. It had approximately 20 monks at the beginning of the sixteenth century, but declined in that century. In December 1547 it was burned by an English force, and allegedly damaged again in 1559 by Scottish Protestants as part of the Reformation's destruction of idolatrous structures.

In combination with several centuries of plundering for building stone the entire main abbey is absent and only the smaller support structures to the north survive, most notable of which are the fan-vaulted cloisters.

In 1606-07 its name was reuseded as a secular lordship for James Elphinstone, 1st Lord Balmerino.

In 1910 the landowner employed Francis William Deas to survey the building and execute a programme of repairs and consolidation.

The abbey is now under the stewardship of the National Trust for Scotland, and a small entrance fee is requested at an honesty box, with no ticket booth or manned presence on-site. The ruin consists of a substantial section of the east wall of the main church. More substantial ruins of some of the associated buildings exist to the side of this but access is currently prohibited due to their poor state of repair.

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Balmerino, United Kingdom
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Founded: 1227
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Martin Young (2 months ago)
What an incredible spot! Built in 1229 this landmark Abbey is a place unto itself. The structure teaches a preview of what life would have been like back in the 1200's. Absolutely awe inspiring, highly recommended...
Matt Hatton (4 months ago)
A quiet spot, but not a great deal to explore as most of the interesting bits are fenced off. There are the odd bit of 13thC masonry, but quite a lot of later building from when it was converted, first into a Manor House and later into a farm. If you have the time check out the 400 year old sweet chestnut. Parking is rather a squeeze, with a large farm entrance on the opposite side of the narrow lane.
Nuts (8 months ago)
The ruins of a Cisterian monastery founded in the 13th century by monks from Melrose Abbey on the invitation of Queen Ermengarde, the widow of King William I. She was buried in front of the high alter in 1233. After several attacks, the badly damaged buildings became the home of Lird Balmerino in 1603 which helped to preserve the remains. In the grounds is one of Scotlands oldest trees, a chestnut from the 1500's. There is a useful information board.
Tim Heeley (9 months ago)
It's good to visit the site and use your imagination to contemplate what life must have been like when the monastic community built this Abbey. You'll need to turn to the written record to find out what went on here. Some of the history is 'colourful', sadly.
Stew Walker (19 months ago)
Great bit of history and a nice wee walk around. Not much left but still has a presence. The 400 odd year old chestnut tree in the grounds is worth seeing. Abbey is literally a minute walk from the fife coastal path so a great little diversion when out walking the coastal path. There is plenty parking on the street just outside the abbey if you come by car. Numerous benches scattered around the site to allow you to sit and take in the ruins or to just listen to the birds.
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