Crossraguel Abbey

Crossraguel Abbey is an Abbey ruin, formerly a monastery, situated 2 kilometres south west of Maybole in South Ayrshire, Scotland. It is one of the better preserved monasteries in Scotland. It is owned by Historic Environment Scotland and currently closed for the winter.
It was founded in 1244 by Duncan, Earl of Carrick and is linked to Paisley Abbey the monks of which built the abbey on the land and from funding donations received from him. Some monks transferred from Paisley to populate the Abbey. Initially, only an oratory (a small chapel) was established resulting in a dispute between the Earl of Carrick and the monks which was settled in the Earl’s favour by the Bishop of Glasgow and ultimately the Pope. This resulted in the Abbey being constructed although the first Abbot is not on record until 1286, probably due to the dispute.
The name is believed to be derived from the ancient Cross of Raighail, a prayer cross that stood at that location. Raighail was an Irish saint.
The abbey was a Cluniac monastery, named after the French Abbey of Cluny to whom they were (responsible). The Cluniac Order was a branch of Benedictines, as was Paisley Abbey, which was originally a Cluniac monastery, although it was raised to the status of an Abbey in 1245 answerable only to the pope. [Crossraguel was nominally a daughter house to Paisley Abbey although there was friction between the two.]
The original structure was built within an extensive walled precinct and associated buildings were probably timber. The abbey suffered significant damage during the wars of independence in 1307 by Edward I’s men due to the monks being loyal to Robert the Bruce who was the Earl of Carrick, their patron. Subsequently little of the original remains.
In the 14th century a simple rectangular church was built together with buildings enclosing the cloister; the Abbots house was also erected. The choir was rebuilt with a polygonal east end and the sacristy and chapter house were totally rebuilt in the 15th century. Thus, the only remains of the original structure is the south wall of the nave.
As wealth of the Abbey increased in the 15th century further buildings were added around the South Court, a second courtyard. These buildings are the Corrodiars Houses, houses for retires clergy or laymen who wish to spend their old age within a religious establishment. These are relatively common in England but rare in Scotland .
A fortified gatehouse was built in the 16th century by Abbot William Kennedy which is well preserved with three stories and a garret within a parapet. The Abbots Tower, also built by Abbot Kennedy was a second fortified building but has sustained significant damage and is more of a ruin. At this time a solid wall was built in the church to divide it with the western part becoming the Lady Chapel used by both monks and laity (non clergy). The dovecote was also built, this was home to pigeons where the eggs and young provided food and the droppings were used as fertiliser in the gardens.
It is also believed that salt from seawater was produced as was gunpowder from charcoal.
The layout followed the basic layout of a Benedictine Monastery for the main buildings, including the church, the dormitory, latrines, refectory and cloister. Interestingly the Choir is not true east west although the high alter aligns with the sunrise.
During the Scottish Reformation in 1561 the Abbey ceased to be a monastery and the buildings were party destroyed, although less so than many other sites. In 1569 the commendator, the administrator in charge of the abbey, signed over the abbey to the Kennedys, under torture. The monks were permitted to remain until 1592.
The Abbey lands were taken over by the bishops of Dunblane in 1617.
The Abbey was a popular venue for weddings, not sure if it still is?
There are many aspects which can only be seen by a visit to the site which is open from April. However, unfortunately some areas, including the church, are closed for masonry inspections and I’m not sure when these restrictions will be lifted.
Background Music 'Airy Meditation' by Rocket from Pixabay