Oblique aerial view of Sweetheart Abbey.

Description Oblique aerial view of Sweetheart Abbey.

Date 1972

Collection John Dewar

Catalogue Number KB 1280 CN

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 1555813

Scope and Content Aerial view of Sweetheart Abbey, Dumfries & Galloway This aerial view from the west, taken in 1972, shows the west end of the nave of the abbey church, the crossing under the tower, and the presbytery (chancel). The east window has tracery of the 'geometric' style. The pitch of the nave roof is marked on the side of the tower. After the last monks (who had been allowed to remain there) died in about 1600 the abbey fell into decay. The parish church was formed in the refectory, and moved to the side of the nave. In 1779 a group of local gentlemen bought the ruined abbey to save it from demolition. It was repaired in 1862-3, and taken into State care in 1928. It is now in the care of Historic Scotland and is open to the public. Sweetheart Abbey was founded in 1273 by Dervorguilla, the widow of John Balliol of Barnard Castle, as a Cistercian monastery. The church was largely complete by 1389, when Dervorguilla (who died in 1290) was buried in the choir. The building was completed in the late 14th century. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

External Reference 6377/CN/J2

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/175976