Paisley Abbey is a former Cluniac monastery, and current Church of Scotland parish kirk, located on the east bank of the River Cart in the centre of the Royal Burgh of Paisley, Renfrewshire, in west central Scotland.

History

It is believed that Saint Mirin (spelt locally Saint Mirren, hence the name of the local football team: St Mirren FC) founded a community on his site in 7th century. A shrine to the Saint was then established which became a popular site of pilgrimage.

In 1163, Walter FitzAlan issued a charter for a priory to be set up on this site. It was raised to the status of abbey in 1245. In 1307, Edward I of England had the abbey burned down. It was rebuilt later in the 14th century.

In 1316 Majory Bruce, daughter of Robert I of Scotland and wife of Walter Stewart, the sixth High Steward of Scotland, was out riding near the abbey. She was heavily pregnant at the time. She fell from her horse and was taken to Paisley Abbey where she gave birth to King Robert II. However, Majory Bruce died and is buried at the Abbey.

A succession of fires and the collapse of the tower in the 15th and 16th Century left the building in a partly ruined state - although the western section was still used, the eastern section was mainly robbed 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.

Points of interest

Paisley Abbey is the burial place of all six High Stewards of Scotland, Majory Bruce, Robert II`s wives and King Robert III.

The Celtic Barochan Cross, once sited near the village of Houston, Renfrewshire, is now to be found inside the abbey. The Cross is thought to be 8th century.

In the early 1990s, an ancient vaulted drain was found running from the abbey to the River Cart. This was excavated and many items discovered. Some of these are now on display in the abbey. These include a slate with music marked on it - which is believed to the oldest example of polyphonic music found in Scotland.

A tomb in the choir is attributed to Majory Bruce - though there is no evidence that she is buried at exactly that location, she is thought to be resting within the abbey.

The current congregation

Paisley Abbey is used for services of worship 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 1988) is the Reverend Alan Birss.

Benedictine monasteries | Church of Scotland | Monasteries in Scotland | Renfrewshire