A Short History of Pluscarden Abbey

near Elgin, Moray, Scotland

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

In 1943 a beautiful old monastic property, Pluscarden Priory, was presented to the Benedictines of Prinknash Abbey by Lord Colum Crichton-Stewart. The Priory was founded in the year 1230 by King Alexander II of Scotland for a community of white-habited Valliscaulian monks. After two centuries the Community was merged with that of the priory of Urquhart, near Elgin, and so became a daughter-house of Dunfermline Abbey, founded by St. Margaret of Scotland early in the twelfth century.

 

The monastery was never suppressed at the Reformation and the last surviving monk died about 1596. The restoration of the old buildings was begun in 1899 by John, third Marquess of Bute; and the resumption of monastic life on the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, 1948, after a lapse of some four hundred years. All this was made possible by the generosity of Lord Colum Crichton-Stewart and by the gracious permission of the late Bishop of Aberdeen, the Rt. Rev. George N. Bennett, and his Chapter, who felt strongly that such a foundation would assuredly be for the Glory of God and the good of souls. This seven-hundred-year-old Priory has now returned to the original purpose intended by its royal founder, and in 1954 it was allowed to havea Canonical Novitiate.

 

FURTHER RESTORATION

 

The first major restoration of the fabric of Pluscarden was completed in 1954 when the internal surface of the central tower of the church was refaced. Also the tower was roofed with copper and three bells hung in it. Much of the work was made possible through the kindness of the Pilgrim trust in augmenting the generous offerings of the people of Scotland who were glad to see the restoration of what is regarded as the best preserved of all the remains of ancient monastic buildings in their country.

 

The south and north trancepts have been restored, the latter with its high lancets and the second largest rose window in Scotland, brought to life again with all the richness and brilliant beauty of stained glass. The hard years of struggle and material construction were part of everyday life in this valiant community, manifesting the emerging pattern of a great monastic establishment, truly akin to the Bededictine tradition and the historic heritage of Scotland and worthy of the great monastic foundations of former times.

 

continuing.............

 

Pluscarden is also on the Internet, so for more information about Pluscarden Abbey click here.