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Paisley Abbey

January 18, 2023

Paisley Abbey is a parish church of the Church of Scotland on the east bank of the White Cart Water in the centre of the town of Paisley, Renfrewshire, about 7 miles (11 kilometres) west of Glasgow, in Scotland. Its origins date from the 12th century, based on a former Cluniac monastery. Following the Reformation in the 16th century, it became a Church of Scotland parish kirk.

Paisley Abbey
Paisley Abbey and grounds
LocationAbbey Close
Paisley, Renfrewshire
CountryScotland
DenominationChurch of Scotland
Previous denominationRoman Catholic
Websitewww.paisleyabbey.org.uk
History
StatusParish kirk
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Heritage designationCategory A
Designated1971[1]
Architectural typeChurch
Years built7th century
1163
Administration
PresbyteryClyde
Clergy
Minister(s)Revd Elspeth McKay
Laity
Director of musicDr George McPhee

History

It is believed that Saint Mirin (or Saint Mirren) founded a community on this site in 7th century. Some time after his death a shrine to the Saint was established, becoming a popular site of pilgrimage and veneration. The name Paisley may derive from the Brythonic (Cumbric) Passeleg, 'basilica' (derived from the Greek), i.e. 'major church', recalling an early, though undocumented, ecclesiastical importance.

In 1163, Walter fitz Alan, the first High Steward of Scotland issued a charter for a priory to be set up on land owned by him in Paisley.[2] It was dedicated to SS. Mary, James, Mirin and Milburga. Around 13 monks came from the Cluniac priory at Much Wenlock in Shropshire to found the community. Paisley grew so rapidly that it was raised to the status of abbey in 1245. Monks from Paisley founded Crossraguel Abbey in Carrick, Ayrshire, in 1244.

In 1307, Edward I of England had the abbey burned down. It was rebuilt later in the 14th century. William Wallace, born in nearby Elderslie, is believed to have been educated in the abbey for some time when he was a boy.[3]

In 1316, Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert I of Scotland and wife of Walter Stewart, the sixth High Steward of Scotland, was out riding near the abbey. During the ride, she fell from her horse and as she was heavily pregnant at the time, she was taken to Paisley Abbey for medical care. There, King Robert II was born by caesarean section, in a time when anaesthesia would not have been available.[4][5] She was later buried at the abbey. A cairn, at the junction of Dundonald Road and Renfrew Road, approximately 1 mile (2 kilometres) to the north of the Abbey, marks the spot where she reputedly fell from her horse.

In 1491, absolution was granted by Abbot George Shaw, representing the Pope and in the presence of the relics, to James IV of Scotland and others implicated in the death of James III at the Battle of Sauchieburn. By 1499 Shaw had had built a new, larger pilgrims' chapel and added the sculptured stone frieze which can still be seen today, showing scenes from the life of St Miren. It was originally brightly painted and may have been part of a rear panel of an altar before being put up as a frieze on the wall.[6]

 
Paisley Abbey from the south west

A succession of fires and the collapse of the tower in the 15th and 16th centuries left the building in a partially ruined state. Although the western section was still used for worship, the eastern section was widely plundered for its stone. From 1858 to 1928 the north porch and the eastern choir were reconstructed on the remains of the ruined walls by the architect Macgregor Chalmers. After his death, work on the choir was completed by Sir Robert Lorimer.[7]

Points of interest

Paisley Abbey is the burial place of all six High Stewards of Scotland, Marjorie Bruce who was the mother of Robert II, and the wives of Robert II and King Robert III. The Celtic Barochan Cross, once sited near the village of Houston, Renfrewshire, is now inside the abbey itself. The cross is thought to date from the 10th century. In the abbey's nave, the Wallace Memorial Window, which depicts the image of Samson, was donated in 1873.

Paisley Abbey Drain

In the early 1990s an ancient vaulted drain of extremely fine construction, probably 13th century in date, was rediscovered running from the abbey to the White Cart. The drain is thought to date from AD 1350-1400 and is at least 90 metres long, up to 2m wide and up to 2.2m high.[8] The drain contains stonemasons marks on the walls, and marks where gates used to be. Before accessing the drain, water has to be pumped out. Paisley Abbey Drain is designated by Historic Environment Scotland as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and has similarities to other monastery drains, such as Fountains Abbey, Dundrennan Abbey and Melrose Abbey.[8] A virtual tour of the drain is available on YouTube.

 
The grave of Robert III, Paisley Abbey

Archaeological investigations and excavations took place in 1996,[9] 3–16 September 2009, 2–12 September 2011 and 4 September 2013[10] and many items discovered.[11][12][13] Some of these are now on display in the abbey.

These include:

  • a slate with music marked on it - which is believed to be the oldest example of polyphonic music found in Scotland[14]
  • imported cloth seals[15]
  • chamber pots from c.1500
  • tweezers
  • carved bone handles
  • pottery fragments
  • slate fragments[16]
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Events to involve the public in the archaeological investigation of the drain have been held,[17][18] with the Renfrewshire Local History Forum.


Tombs

 
The main east window of Paisley Abbey by Douglas Strachan (detail)

A tomb in the choir incorporating a much-restored female effigy is widely believed to be that of Marjorie Bruce. Although there is no evidence that she is buried at exactly that location, her remains are thought to be within the abbey. The tomb is reconstructed from fragments of different origin - the base, is likely to have originally formed part of the pulpitum of the Abbey (a stone screen separating nave and choir), such as survives at Glasgow Cathedral.[19]

Opposite Marjorie Bruce lie the tombs of Robert III of Scotland and Simon fitz Alan. A Latin inscription commemorates the three children of Margaret Seton and Claud Hamilton, 1st Lord Paisley who died as infants; Margaret (1577), Henry (1585), and Alexander (1587).[20]

Stained glass

Stained glass (removed in the Reformation) began to be replaced in the 1870s. Major works include a window by Edward Burne-Jones and the huge east window by Douglas Strachan.[21]

The dramatic memorial window to James D. D. Shaw dates from 1989 and is by John Clark.[22]

Abbey organ

 
The choir, organ, and great East Window

The Abbey organ is reputedly one of the finest in Scotland, and was originally built by the most distinguished of all 19th-century organ builders, Cavaillé-Coll of Paris in 1872. This is one of only six in the UK.[23] Since 1872 it has been rebuilt and extended four times. The organ as rebuilt by Walker in 1968 has 4 manuals, 65 stops and 5448 pipes.(National Pipe Organ Register; "The Organ at Paisley Abbey", booklet pub. Paisley Abbey) In 2009 the instrument underwent a major restoration by Harrison and Harrison of Durham. The work included major cleaning and servicing, the provision of a new wind system and the addition of a 32 ft contre bombarde. The latter was part of the 1968 scheme by Ralph Downes but not included in the work actually undertaken.

Internal architectural details

The twelve angel corbels and stone communion table are by Pilkington Jackson, sculptor of the iconic Robert the Bruce statue at Bannockburn. The ceiling bosses are designed by Sir Robert Lorimer and carved by James A Young. The choir stalls, with their wealth of carved animals are by William and Alexander Clow.[24]

External architectural details

 
One of the abbey's 12 gargoyles, famous for its resemblance to the xenomorph creature from the film Alien. Erected in the 1990s.

Paisley Abbey has been rebuilt and its original design modified as a result of the building being destroyed in 1307, its tower's collapse in the 16th century, and general disrepair that occurred as the result of time and weather.[25] Notably, during a restoration project that took place in the 1990s, a stonemason from Edinburgh hired to replace twelve crumbling stone gargoyles erected one bearing a strong resemblance to the space creature from the 1979 science fiction film Alien, starring Sigourney Weaver.[26][27] A picture of the gargoyle went viral in 2013, though a photograph of the statue first surfaced on the internet in 1997.[28] In 2002, it was confirmed the abbey would be subject to a 10-year-long restoration project.

Current congregation

 
Paisley Abbey from the west, including St Mirin's chapel and the Place of Paisley. On the distant right is the Anchor Mills building.

Paisley Abbey is used for worship services every Sunday. Since the Reformation the Abbey has served as a parish church in the Church of Scotland. In 2002 the congregation had 823 members. The minister (since 2021) is the Reverend Elspeth McKay.[citation needed]

Burials

See also

References

  1. ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "ABBEY CLOSE, PAISLEY ABBEY (Category A Listed Building) (LB38910)". Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  2. ^ By, Undiscovered Scotland. "Paisley Abbey Feature Page on Undiscovered Scotland". www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  3. ^ . Archived from the original on 28 February 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2008.
  4. ^ "The Tragic Life Of Marjorie Bruce, Princess Of Scotland". Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  5. ^ "Women in History of Scots Descent - Marjory Bruce". www.electricscotland.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  6. ^ "Pilgrimage in Medieval Scotland" by Peter Yeoman, Historic Scotland 1999
  7. ^ . Archived from the original on 28 February 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2008.
  8. ^ a b Historic Environment Scotland. "Paisley Abbey, drain 75m SSW of (SM8078)". Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  9. ^ CANMORE. "Archaeology Notes". Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  10. ^ CANMORE. "Paisley Abbey, Drain". Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  11. ^ Malden, John (2000). Archaeological Overview: The Discovery of the Drain. In: Malden (2000), pp. 173-80.
  12. ^ Dickson, Camilla (2000). Food, Medicinal & Other Plants from the Drain. In: Malden (2000), pp. 213-24.
  13. ^ Dickson, Jim (2000). Some Especially Noteworth Plants from the Drain. In: Malden (2000), pp. 225-30.
  14. ^ Elliot, Kenneth (2000). Musical Slates: The Paisley Abbey Fragments. In: Malden (2000), pp. 205-08.
  15. ^ "Paisley Abbey :: 14 The Great Drain". www.paisleyabbey.org.uk. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  16. ^ Renfrewshire Council. "Paisley Abbey Drain". YouTube. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  17. ^ CANMORE. "Excavation". CANMORE. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  18. ^ Renfrewshire Council (28 August 2015). . Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  19. ^ . Paisley 2020. Archived from the original on 2 April 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
  20. ^ Charles Rogers, Monuments and monumental inscriptions in Scotland, vol. 1 (London, 1871), p. 423.
  21. ^ . Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  22. ^ . Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  23. ^ On the website Organlive.com, which has almost 1800 albums of organ music (as of late 2018) only four organs are listed outside France: in Argentina, Denmark, the Netherlands and Paisley
  24. ^ Paisley's Public Sculpture
  25. ^ "Restoration of Paisley Abbey". HeraldScotland. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  26. ^ BBC News Scotland 'Alien' gargoyle on ancient abbey, 23 August 2013
  27. ^ Did You Know ? (30 March 2018), The Mystery Of Why There's An "Alien" Gargoyle On A 12th-Century Scottish Abbey May Have Been Solved, archived from the original on 21 December 2021, retrieved 11 April 2018
  28. ^ "'Alien' gargoyle on ancient abbey". BBC News. 23 August 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2018.

Sources

  • Malden, John. (Edr), (2000). The Monastery & Abbey of Paisley: Lectures from the Renfrewshire Local History Forum's Conference 11 / 12 September 1999, with additional papers. Renfrewshire: Renfrewshire Local History Forum. ISBN 0-9529195-7-5.

External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Paisley Abbey.
  • Paisley Abbey - official website

Coordinates: 55°50′42″N 4°25′14″W / 55.84500°N 4.42056°W / 55.84500; -4.42056

January 18, 2023
paisley, abbey, parish, church, church, scotland, east, bank, white, cart, water, centre, town, paisley, renfrewshire, about, miles, kilometres, west, glasgow, scotland, origins, date, from, 12th, century, based, former, cluniac, monastery, following, reformat. Paisley Abbey is a parish church of the Church of Scotland on the east bank of the White Cart Water in the centre of the town of Paisley Renfrewshire about 7 miles 11 kilometres west of Glasgow in Scotland Its origins date from the 12th century based on a former Cluniac monastery Following the Reformation in the 16th century it became a Church of Scotland parish kirk Paisley AbbeyPaisley Abbey and groundsLocationAbbey ClosePaisley RenfrewshireCountryScotlandDenominationChurch of ScotlandPrevious denominationRoman CatholicWebsitewww wbr paisleyabbey wbr org wbr ukHistoryStatusParish kirkArchitectureFunctional statusActiveHeritage designationCategory ADesignated1971 1 Architectural typeChurchYears built7th century1163AdministrationPresbyteryClydeClergyMinister s Revd Elspeth McKayLaityDirector of musicDr George McPhee Contents 1 History 2 Points of interest 2 1 Paisley Abbey Drain 2 2 Tombs 2 3 Stained glass 2 4 Abbey organ 2 5 Internal architectural details 2 6 External architectural details 3 Current congregation 4 Burials 5 See also 6 References 7 Sources 8 External linksHistory EditIt is believed that Saint Mirin or Saint Mirren founded a community on this site in 7th century Some time after his death a shrine to the Saint was established becoming a popular site of pilgrimage and veneration The name Paisley may derive from the Brythonic Cumbric Passeleg basilica derived from the Greek i e major church recalling an early though undocumented ecclesiastical importance In 1163 Walter fitz Alan the first High Steward of Scotland issued a charter for a priory to be set up on land owned by him in Paisley 2 It was dedicated to SS Mary James Mirin and Milburga Around 13 monks came from the Cluniac priory at Much Wenlock in Shropshire to found the community Paisley grew so rapidly that it was raised to the status of abbey in 1245 Monks from Paisley founded Crossraguel Abbey in Carrick Ayrshire in 1244 In 1307 Edward I of England had the abbey burned down It was rebuilt later in the 14th century William Wallace born in nearby Elderslie is believed to have been educated in the abbey for some time when he was a boy 3 In 1316 Marjorie Bruce daughter of Robert I of Scotland and wife of Walter Stewart the sixth High Steward of Scotland was out riding near the abbey During the ride she fell from her horse and as she was heavily pregnant at the time she was taken to Paisley Abbey for medical care There King Robert II was born by caesarean section in a time when anaesthesia would not have been available 4 5 She was later buried at the abbey A cairn at the junction of Dundonald Road and Renfrew Road approximately 1 mile 2 kilometres to the north of the Abbey marks the spot where she reputedly fell from her horse In 1491 absolution was granted by Abbot George Shaw representing the Pope and in the presence of the relics to James IV of Scotland and others implicated in the death of James III at the Battle of Sauchieburn By 1499 Shaw had had built a new larger pilgrims chapel and added the sculptured stone frieze which can still be seen today showing scenes from the life of St Miren It was originally brightly painted and may have been part of a rear panel of an altar before being put up as a frieze on the wall 6 Paisley Abbey from the south west A succession of fires and the collapse of the tower in the 15th and 16th centuries left the building in a partially ruined state Although the western section was still used for worship the eastern section was widely plundered for its stone From 1858 to 1928 the north porch and the eastern choir were reconstructed on the remains of the ruined walls by the architect Macgregor Chalmers After his death work on the choir was completed by Sir Robert Lorimer 7 Points of interest EditPaisley Abbey is the burial place of all six High Stewards of Scotland Marjorie Bruce who was the mother of Robert II and the wives of Robert II and King Robert III The Celtic Barochan Cross once sited near the village of Houston Renfrewshire is now inside the abbey itself The cross is thought to date from the 10th century In the abbey s nave the Wallace Memorial Window which depicts the image of Samson was donated in 1873 Paisley Abbey Drain Edit In the early 1990s an ancient vaulted drain of extremely fine construction probably 13th century in date was rediscovered running from the abbey to the White Cart The drain is thought to date from AD 1350 1400 and is at least 90 metres long up to 2m wide and up to 2 2m high 8 The drain contains stonemasons marks on the walls and marks where gates used to be Before accessing the drain water has to be pumped out Paisley Abbey Drain is designated by Historic Environment Scotland as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and has similarities to other monastery drains such as Fountains Abbey Dundrennan Abbey and Melrose Abbey 8 A virtual tour of the drain is available on YouTube The grave of Robert III Paisley Abbey Archaeological investigations and excavations took place in 1996 9 3 16 September 2009 2 12 September 2011 and 4 September 2013 10 and many items discovered 11 12 13 Some of these are now on display in the abbey These include a slate with music marked on it which is believed to be the oldest example of polyphonic music found in Scotland 14 imported cloth seals 15 chamber pots from c 1500 tweezers carved bone handles pottery fragments slate fragments 16 Events to involve the public in the archaeological investigation of the drain have been held 17 18 with the Renfrewshire Local History Forum Tombs Edit The main east window of Paisley Abbey by Douglas Strachan detail A tomb in the choir incorporating a much restored female effigy is widely believed to be that of Marjorie Bruce Although there is no evidence that she is buried at exactly that location her remains are thought to be within the abbey The tomb is reconstructed from fragments of different origin the base is likely to have originally formed part of the pulpitum of the Abbey a stone screen separating nave and choir such as survives at Glasgow Cathedral 19 Opposite Marjorie Bruce lie the tombs of Robert III of Scotland and Simon fitz Alan A Latin inscription commemorates the three children of Margaret Seton and Claud Hamilton 1st Lord Paisley who died as infants Margaret 1577 Henry 1585 and Alexander 1587 20 Stained glass Edit Stained glass removed in the Reformation began to be replaced in the 1870s Major works include a window by Edward Burne Jones and the huge east window by Douglas Strachan 21 The dramatic memorial window to James D D Shaw dates from 1989 and is by John Clark 22 Abbey organ Edit The choir organ and great East Window The Abbey organ is reputedly one of the finest in Scotland and was originally built by the most distinguished of all 19th century organ builders Cavaille Coll of Paris in 1872 This is one of only six in the UK 23 Since 1872 it has been rebuilt and extended four times The organ as rebuilt by Walker in 1968 has 4 manuals 65 stops and 5448 pipes National Pipe Organ Register The Organ at Paisley Abbey booklet pub Paisley Abbey In 2009 the instrument underwent a major restoration by Harrison and Harrison of Durham The work included major cleaning and servicing the provision of a new wind system and the addition of a 32 ft contre bombarde The latter was part of the 1968 scheme by Ralph Downes but not included in the work actually undertaken Internal architectural details Edit The twelve angel corbels and stone communion table are by Pilkington Jackson sculptor of the iconic Robert the Bruce statue at Bannockburn The ceiling bosses are designed by Sir Robert Lorimer and carved by James A Young The choir stalls with their wealth of carved animals are by William and Alexander Clow 24 External architectural details Edit One of the abbey s 12 gargoyles famous for its resemblance to the xenomorph creature from the film Alien Erected in the 1990s Paisley Abbey has been rebuilt and its original design modified as a result of the building being destroyed in 1307 its tower s collapse in the 16th century and general disrepair that occurred as the result of time and weather 25 Notably during a restoration project that took place in the 1990s a stonemason from Edinburgh hired to replace twelve crumbling stone gargoyles erected one bearing a strong resemblance to the space creature from the 1979 science fiction film Alien starring Sigourney Weaver 26 27 A picture of the gargoyle went viral in 2013 though a photograph of the statue first surfaced on the internet in 1997 28 In 2002 it was confirmed the abbey would be subject to a 10 year long restoration project Current congregation Edit Paisley Abbey from the west including St Mirin s chapel and the Place of Paisley On the distant right is the Anchor Mills building Paisley Abbey is used for worship services every Sunday Since the Reformation the Abbey has served as a parish church in the Church of Scotland In 2002 the congregation had 823 members The minister since 2021 is the Reverend Elspeth McKay citation needed Burials EditIsabella of Mar c 1277 1296 Marjorie Bruce Robert III of Scotland 1337 1406 William Cathcart 1st Earl Cathcart 1755 1843 Walter fitz Alan 1st High Stewart of Scotland 1106 June 1177 Alan fitz Walter 2nd High Steward of Scotland Walter Stewart 3rd High Steward of Scotland Alexander Stewart 4th High Steward of Scotland James Stewart 5th High Steward of Scotland Walter Stewart 6th High Steward of Scotland Elizabeth Mure died before May 1355 James Hamilton 1st Earl of Abercorn Euphemia de Ross James Hamilton 8th Earl of AbercornSee also EditAbbey Bridge Abbot of Paisley for list of priors abbots and commendators Crossraguel Abbey founded by monks from Paisley List of Category A listed buildings in Renfrewshire List of listed buildings in Paisley RenfrewshireReferences Edit Historic Environment Scotland ABBEY CLOSE PAISLEY ABBEY Category A Listed Building LB38910 Retrieved 29 March 2019 By Undiscovered Scotland Paisley Abbey Feature Page on Undiscovered Scotland www undiscoveredscotland co uk Retrieved 11 April 2018 Paisley Abbey website Archived from the original on 28 February 2015 Retrieved 30 September 2008 The Tragic Life Of Marjorie Bruce Princess Of Scotland Retrieved 11 April 2018 Women in History of Scots Descent Marjory Bruce www electricscotland com Retrieved 11 April 2018 Pilgrimage in Medieval Scotland by Peter Yeoman Historic Scotland 1999 Paisley Abbey website ibid Archived from the original on 28 February 2015 Retrieved 30 September 2008 a b Historic Environment Scotland Paisley Abbey drain 75m SSW of SM8078 Retrieved 29 March 2019 CANMORE Archaeology Notes Retrieved 3 December 2015 CANMORE Paisley Abbey Drain Retrieved 3 December 2013 Malden John 2000 Archaeological Overview The Discovery of the Drain In Malden 2000 pp 173 80 Dickson Camilla 2000 Food Medicinal amp Other Plants from the Drain In Malden 2000 pp 213 24 Dickson Jim 2000 Some Especially Noteworth Plants from the Drain In Malden 2000 pp 225 30 Elliot Kenneth 2000 Musical Slates The Paisley Abbey Fragments In Malden 2000 pp 205 08 Paisley Abbey 14 The Great Drain www paisleyabbey org uk Retrieved 3 December 2015 Renfrewshire Council Paisley Abbey Drain YouTube Retrieved 3 December 2015 CANMORE Excavation CANMORE Retrieved 3 December 2015 Renfrewshire Council 28 August 2015 Archaeology enthusiasts invited to join team at historic Abbey Drain dig Archived from the original on 8 December 2015 Retrieved 3 December 2015 Visitor Attractions in Paisley Paisley 2020 Archived from the original on 2 April 2016 Retrieved 14 August 2016 Charles Rogers Monuments and monumental inscriptions in Scotland vol 1 London 1871 p 423 Paisley Abbey 3 Burne Jones Stained Glass Window Archived from the original on 29 August 2017 Retrieved 29 August 2017 Paisley Abbey 9 Shaw Memorial Window Archived from the original on 29 August 2017 Retrieved 29 August 2017 On the website Organlive com which has almost 1800 albums of organ music as of late 2018 only four organs are listed outside France in Argentina Denmark the Netherlands and Paisley Paisley s Public Sculpture Restoration of Paisley Abbey HeraldScotland Retrieved 11 April 2018 BBC News Scotland Alien gargoyle on ancient abbey 23 August 2013 Did You Know 30 March 2018 The Mystery Of Why There s An Alien Gargoyle On A 12th Century Scottish Abbey May Have Been Solved archived from the original on 21 December 2021 retrieved 11 April 2018 Alien gargoyle on ancient abbey BBC News 23 August 2013 Retrieved 11 April 2018 Sources EditMalden John Edr 2000 The Monastery amp Abbey of Paisley Lectures from the Renfrewshire Local History Forum s Conference 11 12 September 1999 with additional papers Renfrewshire Renfrewshire Local History Forum ISBN 0 9529195 7 5 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Paisley Abbey Paisley Abbey official website Coordinates 55 50 42 N 4 25 14 W 55 84500 N 4 42056 W 55 84500 4 42056 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Paisley Abbey amp oldid 1128175507, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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