Glenluce Abbey

Glenluce Abbey
©2022 Gazetteer for Scotland

Glenluce Abbey

Located a mile (1.5 km) northwest of the village of Glenluce in Dumfries and Galloway, Glenluce Abbey was founded in 1192 for the Cistercian Order by Roland, Earl of Galloway as a daughter house of Dundrennan Abbey. Following a standard layout, a cluster of buildings grouped around a cloister once provided shelter to monks and lay brethern, who worshipped in the abbey church. The church comprised four main elements; namely a presbytery containing the high alter, two choirs and space for ancillary alters in the aisled nave and transepts. Only the south transept and part of the presbytery survive. Part of the cloister has been rebuilt to give an impression of how it once looked.

Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-87), spent a night here on 9th August 1563. She was accompanied by nobles including James Stuart, Earl of Moray (1531-70), James Douglas, Earl of Morton (c.1516-81) and William Maitland of Lethington (c.1525-73).

The abbey is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland.


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