Kelso Abbey is a ruined Scottish abbey in Kelso, Scotland. It was founded in 1128 by a community of Tironensian monks first brought to Scotland in the reign of Alexander I. Construction of the abbey is believed to have commenced immediately, and by 1143 progress was sufficiently advanced for the building to be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint John. It occupies ground overlooking the confluence of the Tweed and Teviot waters, the site of what was once the Royal Burgh of Roxburgh and the intended southern centre for the developing Scottish kingdom at that time.

In the 14th century, Roxburgh became a focus for periodic attack and occupation by English forces and Kelso's monastic community survived a number of fluctuations in control over the area, restoring the abbey infrastructure after episodes of destruction and ultimately retaining Scottish identity. From 1460 onwards, life for the abbey probably grew more settled, but came once again under attack in the early sixteenth century. By the mid-century, through a combination of turbulent events, the abbey effectively ceased to function and the building fell into ruin.

Although the site of Kelso Abbey has not been fully excavated in modern times, evidence suggests that it was a major building with two crossings. The only remains standing today are the west tower crossing and part of the infirmary. The massive design and solid romanesque style of the tower indicate a very large building of formidable, semi-military construction and appearance, evidence of the importance with which Roxburgh was regarded when the abbacy was at the height of its power.

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Founded: 1128
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

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4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Dave Rutherford (2 months ago)
Kelso Abbey has as you would expect a lot of interesting History, sadly it is a ruin but there is still a lot there to give you the idea of its extent when it was in its Hey Day Once visited the Abbey Kelso is a nice little Market town that is definitely worth looking round with plenty of eating establishments Kelso is within distance of a lot of other Historic ares that would also be worth visiting on the same Day
Tuncay Comert (2 months ago)
I love it very nicely, family time.
Maxine Blaylock (3 months ago)
I would say such a lovely day but it was raining quite heavily, but it seem to stop as we got closer and at Kelso, so when we got out to explore the places & the abbey it was dry. Everyone was so very friendly, that's the one thing I really like about anyway in Scotland. Lovely place to visit.
John Lancaster (9 months ago)
Lovely ruined abbey, walking distance from the town centre and its amenities. As other reviewers have stated the abbey has been fenced off for a long time with few signs of any refurbishment or repair work. However it is still an impressive monument and worth visiting. There are information boards about its history which are worth a read. The abbey is also the starting point for the river walk which was lovely.
A I (3 years ago)
Another stop on the Borders Abbey Trail. Not as extensive as some of the other abbeys but close to a well paved walk alongside the River Tweed. Close to the town centre for lunch.
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