Kelso Abbey

About Kelso Abbey

This is the oldest and was, at one time, the largest of the Border Abbeys and one of the best examples of Romanesque (Norman)architecture in Scotland. As you enter the Abbey through what was the west porch, notice the diamond patterned carving overhead.

Earl David (later King David I), founded and endowed a monastery near Selkirk for a small colony of monks from Tiron in France around 1113. Because the site near Selkirk was “not suitable for an Abbey", David transferred his foundation to Kelso in 1128. The move may have been prompted by a desire to have a royal foundation near the Castle and important Royal Burgh of Roxburgh. The Abbey was completed in 1212 and was dedicated by David de Bemham, Bishop of St Andrews, in March 1243 to the Blessed Virgin and to St John. The Abbey prospered and a lucrative woollen trade was established with traders in the Low Countries and other parts of Europe.

Due to its status and proximity to the National Border between Scotland and England, the Abbey suffered a great deal of damage in the frequent outbreaks of cross border warfare. lt was attacked during the Wars of Independence and was repeatedly sacked in the 1500s, culminating in its destruction by the Earl of Hertford in 1545.

In 1649, the western part of the remains was converted into a Parish Church when part of the transept was given a thatched roof. The temporary church ceased to function when the new Parish Church was built in 1773 but it was not until I9I9 that the remnants of the temporary church were cleared away. The locals used the Abbey as a source of building materials during the late l8th century and consequently, many buildings in the town contain stones from the Abbey. What little remained was repaired by the Duke of Roxburghe in 1866. Virtually all evidence oft he domestic buildings has been obliterated due to the buildings and roads which were subsequently constructed in the area. For those who enjoy a longer walk, it is also worth noting that Kelso Abbey marks the start of the Kelso to Jedburgh section of the Borders Abbeys Way.

Nearby is the Memorial Cloister, which was built in 1933 in memory of the 8th Duke of Roxburghe. This is a modern interpretation of Romanesque architecture and includes a doorway from the original cloister. The noted architect Sir Robert Lorimer designed the war memorial in 1921. Lorimer also designed the war memorial in Galashiels and the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle.
If you return to Bridge Street and head towards the Kelso Bridge, you'll see new houses on your right, stand within the former Abbey Precinct. Archaeological excavations in 1997 and 1998 revealed evidence that this site was occupied by some high status buildings, possibly guest quarters for visiting dignitaries to the Abbey. From the mid- 19th century the site served as the base for the Croall family's business as coachbuilders and later. motor sales. servicing and petrol.