Kelso Abbey

Scotland
HES SM90177
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic Environment Scotland

Overview

History & significance

Kelso Abbey is a ruined Benedictine monastery founded in 1128 by David I of Scotland on the banks of the River Tweed in Roxburghshire. The surviving remains, largely dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, include substantial portions of the abbey church with its distinctive Romanesque architectural features, particularly evident in the west end and transepts. The monastery functioned as a major religious and landholding centre throughout the medieval period until its dissolution in the sixteenth century. The ruins, which stand within the town of Kelso, represent one of the most important examples of Romanesque ecclesiastical architecture in Scotland.

Kelso Abbey is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90177. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Kelso Abbey?

Kelso Abbey is a ruined Benedictine monastery founded in 1128 by David I of Scotland on the banks of the River Tweed in Roxburghshire. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90177.

Who is responsible for protecting Kelso Abbey?

Kelso Abbey 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 SM90177.

What other scheduled monuments are near Kelso Abbey?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Pinnaclehill Farm,burial mound & cists 90m NW of (0.3 km), Old Roxburgh,deserted town between River Teviot & River Tweed (1.2 km), Roxburgh Castle (1.6 km).

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