- Cambuskenneth Abbey
Cambuskenneth Abbey is a ruined Augustinian
monastery located on an area of land enclosed by a meander of theRiver Forth nearStirling inScotland . Although the abbey is largely disused, the neighbouring village ofCambuskenneth continues to be inhabited.Cambuskenneth Abbey was built by order of King David I around the year 1140. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was initially known as the Abbey of St Mary of Stirling and sometimes simply as Stirling Abbey. The major street leading down the castle hill from the royal residences in
Stirling Castle to the abbey was called St.Mary's Wynd, a name it retains.Cambuskenneth was one of the more important
abbeys in Scotland , due in part to its proximity to theRoyal Burgh of Stirling, a leading urban centre of the country and sometime capital. Royalty, includingEnglish King Edward and later Scottish KingRobert the Bruce , prayed regularly at the abbey. Bruce held his parliament there in 1326 to confirm the succession of his son David.In 1486
Margaret of Denmark died at nearbyStirling Castle and was buried at the abbey. In 1488 her husband King James the Third was murdered at the Battle of Sauchieburn and his body was brought to Cambuskenneth Abbey for burial. The elaborate marker of his grave, which was funded by Queen Victoria, is still visible at one end of the church.The abbey fell into disuse during the
Scottish Reformation . By 1559 there were fewmonk s remaining there, and the abbey was closed and most of the buildings looted and burned. The abbey was placed under the jurisdiction of the military governor of Stirling Castle, who had much of the stonework removed and used in construction projects in the castle.Of the once wealthy abbey, mostly only knee-high ruins and exposed foundations remain. Only the 13th century
campanile is intact, following an extensive renovation in 1859. The abbey was acquired by the crown in 1908, and it is presently managed byHistoric Scotland . The abbey is open to visitors during the summer months. Visitors can enter the base room of the campanile; the stairs to the upper floors are locked, but are opened for visitors on occasion.ee also
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Abbot of Cambuskenneth
*Abbeys and priories in Scotland External links
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* [http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/stirling/cambuskenneth/ Undiscovered Scotland's page on the abbey]
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