Melrose Abbey is one of the most powerfully romantic and evocative ruins in Britain — and for that matter, the world.
David I of Scotland, having pushed the boundaries of his kingdom far into what is now England, founded monasteries along the Tweed. This was to prove uncomfortable for the monks when the border settled back to its old position, as they were now easy targets for raids.
Melrose suffered repeatedly. It was sacked by Edward II’s army in 1322; Robert the…
