Kelso Abbey was founded in 1128 by reformed Benedictines from Tiron in France under the patronage of David I. The Tironensians were French monks who had left the Benedictine order in 1105. They were renowned for their craft skills and came to Scotland at the request of David I. The Abbey was to beome one of the largest and second richest of Scotland's religious houses. James III was crowned at the abbey in 1460. Because of its close proximity to the border, it was frequently attacked in the English wars: burnt 1523, partly burnt 1545, burnt 1547. It was largely destroyed by 1587, and officially declared abandoned by parliament. It was part-used as parish church after the Reformation from 1647-1771. It was repaired in 1866 for the Duke of Roxburgh, and Dukes of Roxburgh memorial cloister was added 1933-4 by Reginald Fairlie incorporating an original 13th century door.
Kelso Abbey was founded in 1128 by reformed Benedictines from Tiron in France under the patronage of David I. The Tironensians were French monks who had left the Benedictine order in 1105. They were renowned for their craft skills and came to Scotland at the request of David I. The Abbey was to beome one of the largest and second richest of Scotland's religious houses. James III was crowned at the abbey in 1460. Because of its close proximity to the border, it was frequently attacked in the English wars: burnt 1523, partly burnt 1545, burnt 1547. It was largely destroyed by 1587, and officially declared abandoned by parliament. It was part-used as parish church after the Reformation from 1647-1771. It was repaired in 1866 for the Duke of Roxburgh, and Dukes of Roxburgh memorial cloister was added 1933-4 by Reginald Fairlie incorporating an original 13th century door.