Scheduled MonumentsScotlandKilwinning Abbey

Kilwinning Abbey

Scotland
HES SM90187
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Kilwinning Abbey is a ruined Benedictine monastery located in Ayrshire, Scotland, founded in the twelfth century by the Earl of Eglinton. The abbey was established as a daughter house of Tiron Abbey in France and became one of the significant ecclesiastical centres in medieval Ayrshire, housing a community of monks engaged in spiritual, educational, and agricultural pursuits. The surviving structures, notably the fourteenth-century tower or steeple, demonstrate the architectural development of the site through the medieval period. The abbey remained an important landmark until its decline following the Scottish Reformation, leaving the fragmentary ruins visible today that testify to its former prominence in the religious landscape of southwest Scotland.

Kilwinning Abbey is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90187. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Kilwinning Abbey?

Kilwinning Abbey is a ruined Benedictine monastery located in Ayrshire, Scotland, founded in the twelfth century by the Earl of Eglinton. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90187.

Who is responsible for protecting Kilwinning Abbey?

Kilwinning 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 SM90187.

What other scheduled monuments are near Kilwinning Abbey?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Kilwinning,waggonway & bridge,SE of Saugh Trees (2.3 km), Kerelaw Castle (3.4 km), Ardeer Recreation Club,subterranean passage & cave (3.5 km).

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