Kelso

Category

Library Item

Item no

14768

Title

Kelso

Description

The ruined tower of Kelso Abbey is shown with impressive Romanesque architecture and open archways.

Artist / maker

Skene, James

Date

1806

Size

24 x 28 cm

Type

Watercolour

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Kelso Abbey was founded by monks of the Tironensian Order who initially came to Selkirk in 1113 from Tiron in France. The monks moved to Kelso and founded the abbey in 1128 under the command of David I. It became one of the most wealthy and powerful abbeys in Scotland. Kings James III and James IV were both crowned in the abbey. In the sixteenth century the Abbey went into decline along with other abbeys across Scotland. Most of the abbey has now been destroyed, but it remains one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Scotland.

Find more information about Kelso Abbey at the Historic Environment Scotland website.

The title on image: 'Kelso founded by David I 1128 20 Sep 1806'

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Related images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Arches

Places > Scotland > Borders

Religion > Religious facilities > Abbeys

Religion > Religious facilities > Disrepair (places of worship)

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