Scheduled MonumentsScotlandArbroath Abbey and associated buildings, including the Abbot's House
Including the abbot's house

Arbroath Abbey and associated buildings, including the Abbot's House

Scotland
HES SM90018
Site type
Including the abbot's house
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Arbroath Abbey is a ruined Benedictine monastery founded in 1178 by William the Lion, King of Scotland, and dedicated to Thomas Becket. The abbey became one of Scotland's most important religious houses and is intimately associated with the Declaration of Arbroath (1320), the celebrated assertion of Scottish independence. The surviving remains include substantial sections of the church, notably the ornate south transept with its distinctive rounded window, alongside various monastic buildings that demonstrate the abbey's former grandeur and architectural sophistication. The Abbot's House, a separate residential structure within the precinct, reflects the considerable status and domestic comfort afforded to the abbey's leadership during the medieval period and remains a significant element of the complex's architectural heritage.

Arbroath Abbey and associated buildings, including the Abbot's House is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90018. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Arbroath Abbey and associated buildings, including the Abbot's House?

Arbroath Abbey is a ruined Benedictine monastery founded in 1178 by William the Lion, King of Scotland, and dedicated to Thomas Becket. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90018.

Who is responsible for protecting Arbroath Abbey and associated buildings, including the Abbot's House?

Arbroath Abbey and associated buildings, including the Abbot's House is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM90018.

What other scheduled monuments are near Arbroath Abbey and associated buildings, including the Abbot's House?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Souterrain, Eastern Cemetery, Arbroath (1 km), Dickmount Law, cairn (2.6 km), Maiden Castle, fort 700m ESE of East Seaton (2.7 km).

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