Description of the attraction
Cambuscannet Abbey is a ruined monastery located in the bend of the Forth River near Stirling, Scotland. The abbey was formed by order of King David I around 1140. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was known as the Abbey of the Virgin Mary at Stirling or simply Stirling Abbey. The street leading from the royal residence at Stirling Castle to the abbey is still called the Virgin Mary.
Cambuscannet Abbey was one of the most important and influential in Scotland due to its proximity to Sterling, the royal residence and capital. Its status as a royal abbey, located near the national stronghold, is comparable only to that of Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh. King Robert the Bruce chaired a sitting of parliament at the abbey, at which his son David was confirmed as his successor.
King James III and his wife Margaret of Denmark are buried in the abbey. There is a tombstone on their grave, installed by order of Queen Victoria.
The abbey was ravaged during the Scottish Reformation and transferred to the military administration of Stirling Castle. The buildings were dismantled and used as building materials in the castle. Now the abbey lies in ruins, only the remains of the foundations are visible.
The main church of the abbey was in a cruciform plan, about 60 m in length. Around it there were numerous outbuildings, on the bank of the river - its own pier. Only a detached bell tower of the 13th century, about 20 m high, has survived to this day. It was renovated in 1859. It is the only bell tower of its kind in Scotland.
The abbey grounds and the lower tier of the bell tower are open to tourists during the summer months.
