Crossraguel Abbey

By Scott Marley

Details Crossraguel Abbey  Maybole  Ayrshire  KA19 5HQ    01655 883113    Get a Map    Get Directions This ancient abbey was founded in the early 13th century by the Earl of Carrick under the Clunaic order as a monastery. The Earl gave a substantial amount of money to the monks of Paisley abbey to build an abbey for himself. But the monks only built a small chapel and held on to the rest of the money. After being built the abbey increased in size over the next 200 years to include a Church, Cloister, Chapter house and Domestic premises, all of which are still partially intact. The Chapter house is one of the best-preserved parts of the abbey and gives an insight into this fascinating building in its heyday. The monks were followers of Saint Benedict and wore long woollen robes, later being named "Black Monks" from the colour of their robes. The Abbey was first attacked by Henry Percy under Edward I, which led to the abbey being rebuilt to a much larger scale. It is thought that the name 'Crossraguel' came from an ancient cross, which stood on the spot of the abbey, and could mean either 'the royal cross' or 'the abbey of the cross of Riaghail' Visitors can walk around the historic area and take in an elevated view of the whole abbey and surrounding countryside from the top of the Gate House. One interesting point about this abbey is the fact that it is still relatively intact whilst other abbeys in Scotland only show a very small part of what they once were. Prices: Adult - £2.00 Child - 0.75p Concession £1.60 Hours: 1st April To 30th September: Monday To Sunday 09:30 To Last Entry 18:00 (closes At 18:30) Autumn Gold - 1st October To 30th October: Open Monday To Saturday 09:30 To Last Entry 16:00 And Sunday 14:00 To Last Entry 16:00 (closes At 16:30) 1st November To 31st March: Closed