In 1320, at Arbroath Abbey, Scotland’s nobles swore their independence from England on the Declaration of Independence.
Founded by William the Lion in 1178, the abbey remained one of the nation’s grandest monasteries for almost 400 years. The abbey was intended to be a memorial to William’s childhood friend Thomas Becket, the murdered Archbishop of Canterbury as well as to expand his authority in the north-east of Scotland and to demonstrate his right to rule. After his death in 1214 the king was buried in front of the abbey’s high altar.
Like so many, the Abbey fell into ruin after the Scottish Reformation and from 1590 onward, its stones were raided for buildings in the town of Arbroath. Only by 1815 were steps taken to preserve the remaining ruins which you can see today.
On Christmas Day 1950, the Stone of Destiny was stolen from Westminster Abbey in London only to be found lying on the site of the Abbey's altar in April the following year.
Opening Hours: 1 April to 30 September:
Monday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
1 October to 31 March:
Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
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