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Arbroath Abbey, Scotland

 

Arbroath Abbey, founded by William I of Scotland in 1174, was the site of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. This was a letter to Pope John on behalf of Robert the Bruce, signed by most of Scotland's nobles. The document asked that the pope put pressure on Edward II of England to recognise Robert the Bruce as the rightful king of Scotland. Many historians consider this to be one of the most important documents in Scottish history. There is some suggestion that a passage in the letter relating to Robert's ruling with the assent of the nobles is an early hint of a more modern government. "Him too, divine providence, his right of succession, according to our laws and customs which we shall maintain to the death, and the due consent and assent of us all have made our Prince and King." But as with the English Magna Carta of 1215, the Declaration did not actually represent any clear sighted vision of better government. The Magna Carta nobles wanted to protect their own power, just like the Scottish nobles. The divided region today known as Scotland did not wish to place too much power in one man, Robert the Bruce, who had plenty of enemies among the Scots.

 

There is another famous passage from the Declaration which has contemporary resonance: "For we fight not for glory, nor riches, nor honour, but for freedom which no good man gives up except with his life." This sounds very relevant to modern ears, with its nationalistic way of looking at things. In the fourteenth century nationalism meant less than it does today. People lived lives in their own small locality, and there were not the systems of widespread communication that give a sense of a country in modern terms. The struggles of the fourteenth century were largely dynastic, with groups of wealthy nobles fighting each other for power. Often men would pin their fortunes on a powerful noble not so much out of a sense of national pride, but in the hope of enjoying the spoils of victory. National feeling was to an extent tagged on to other more pressing considerations.

Much of the Abbey now lies in ruins, the stone work having been used in the building of Arbroath. The Abbot's House, however, remains in a very good state of repair.

There is a Visitors' Centre which has displays related to the history of the Abbey. There is also a viewing gallery from which most of the Abbey can be seen.

 

 

Opening Times: April to September open daily 9.30am to 5.30 pm, last entry 5pm. October to March open daily 9.30am to 4.30pm, last entry 4pm.

Closed 25th - 26th December and 1st - 2nd January.

Directions: The Abbey is close to the centre of Arbroath, seventeen miles north east of Dundee. Click here for an interactive map centred on Arbroath.

Access: Most of the ground level, except the sacristy, is accessible. There is no access to upper floors. The Visitors' Centre has an audio visual display and a sound loop.

Contact:

telephone: 01241 878 756

fax: 01241 878 756

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