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Arbroath Abbey

📍 Angus, Scotland

4.4 ★★★★½ 2,800 reviews

About

Arbroath Abbey, in the Scottish town of Arbroath, was founded in 1178 by King William the Lion for a group of Tironensian Benedictine monks from Kelso Abbey. It was consecrated in 1197 with a dedication to the deceased Saint Thomas Becket, whom the king had met at the English court. It was William's only personal foundation — he was buried before the high altar of the church in 1214.

Founded in 1178 by King William I (the Lion) in honour of his murdered friend Archbishop Thomas Becket. Completed by 1233. The Declaration of Arbroath was signed here in 1320, asserting Scotland's independence from England. The distinctive round window, known as the 'O of Arbroath', once served as a beacon for ships. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland.