Crossraguel Abbey, Maybole, United Kingdom

The Abbey of Saint Mary of Crossraguel is a ruin of a former abbey near the town of Maybole, South Ayrshire. Although it is a ruin, visitors can still see the original monks’ church, their cloister and their dovecot (pigeon tower).

Crossraguel abbey was founded in 1244 by Donnchadh, Earl of Carrick. It was sacked in 1307 by the army of Edward I. It was rebuilt on a larger scale and remained a monastery until 1560, when the Reformation ended monastic institutions in Scotland. However, the few remaining monks were allowed to live out their time there until the last monk died in 1601. Some of the stone has been removed for local construction, but the Abbey ruins remain some of the most complete of any medieval religious house to survive in Scotland.

The origin of the abbey's name refers to the ancient Cross of Riaghail (Latin form St Regulus) that stood on the spot. Crossraguel was a Cluniac abbey and the monks - members of a branch of the Benedictines - were known as the 'Black monks' after the colour of their clothes.

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User Reviews

Stu's Reviews (2 years ago)
Taking a road trip to Glasgow stopped off here to stretch the leg but it was under maintenance but the historian let us was around the faced area and give us some history on the place, great stop off for a picnic and let the kids run off some steam.

Jacquelyne Atkinson (2 years ago)
Went down to see the abbey as part of out trip to Ayr. Unfortunatly it was closed due to safety issues - the manager, Paul was super friendly, chatting about other places to visit and then onto the history of the area and just general craic. A brilliant place to visit not only for the beauty of the building but the atmosphere and the landscape surrounding. Will definitely be back to see the place inits full glory.

Anne Henry (2 years ago)
Old ruined Abbey. Paul, the guide was knowledgeable and friendly. It's gated off at the moment due to dangerous masonry but still worth a walk around.

Sandy McFadyean (2 years ago)
Was closed but we got a walk round the grounds for free. Well worth a stop.

Patrick Van calck (2 years ago)
Beautiful monastery of the 13th century. Some parts date from the 14th, 15th and even 16th century. Sadly you can't go in at the moment because of savety procedures. Still nice place to visit.

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