In
1786, the abbey was purchased by David Steuart Erskine, eleventh earl
of Buchan and a descendant of the Erskines, commendators of Dryburgh.
Buchan was a man of ideas and had been the moving spirit behind the
foundation of the 'Society of Antiquaries of Scotland' in 1780.
He
spent a great deal of time and money recording the religious houses
of Scotland and researching their origins. He was also a member of the
movement which advocated the right of ruins to remain as elegant reminders
of our glorious past.
During
the 40 years he spent at nearby Dryburgh House he
created a magnificent garden, planted
specimen trees and built classical follies. He also preserved the ruins
of the great abbey, making it the most magnificent of garden ornaments.
He
planted shrubs in the cloister, where he also erected 'a statue of Inigo
Jones in the centre of the quadrangle which have a fine effect in one
of the views'.
Though
a man of consummate taste, Buchan, like most antiquarians of his time,
was unable to resist the temptation to meddle and the abbey ruins are
full of oddities attributable to him.
These
include the foundation date - 1150 inscribed on the slype doorway in
the east range, the inscription - Hic jacet Archibald - cut
into the wall beside the chapter house
entrance, and the re-erected grave slabs around the walls of the presbytery.
Most
curious of all is his obelisk to the south of the gatehouse.
Buchan
also undertook excavations, and on finding a stone coffin he opened
it and removed a chalice (with the finger bones of the poor occupant
still attached), the crook and part of the silk shroud.
Despite
this, it is largely thanks to him that so much remains to enchant us
today.
At his death in 1829, his body was laid to rest in the former sacristy,
which he had appropriated as the family burial vault.
Sir
Walter Scott and Dryburgh Abbey...
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"..We
especially appreciated your thoughtfulness in obtaining the passes
for the New Year's eve celebration. Tim and I will always remember
the wonderful fireworks and the spirited crowd. Most of all, we
appreciate the fact that you took the time to acquaint us with
the city and the wedding site. That was totally unexpected, but
much appreciated. Both Tim and I had nothing but accolades for
your services and professionalism."
Irene & Tim, Arlington, USA
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[text and some pictures courtesy and
copyright of Historic Scotland]
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