| | The Abbey
The Fragmentary remains of the Premonstratensian Abbey of Tongland, survive next to the now derelict Tongland Parish Church. The abbey remains are incorporated into the previous parish church, with the most obvious feature being the 13th Century doorway with Dog Tooth mouldings.
The existing Structure is composed of a west gable with a square stone belfry, north and part south wall.
Situation.
Situated in the small village of Tongland, the Abbey ruins sites between the grounds of Mansewood House and the disused Tongland Parish Church.
Nature of remains.
The ruins comprise a west gable with a square stone belfry, and parts of the north and south walls. Within the interior are several carved stone fragments of earlier windows.
Historical notes.
Tongland Abbey was founded in 1218 by Alan, Lord of Galloway [though it is sometimes ascribed to Fergus, Lord of Galloway with a foundation date of 1161] and was colonised by monks from Cockersand Abbey, Lancashire.
During an attempt of the King of Scotland to subdue the Stewartry in 1235 the Prior and the Sacrist were killed within the Church.
In 1296, during the Bruce - Balliol struggle for the Throne of Scotland, the Abbot, Alexander, swore fealty to King Edward I of England, no doubt in support of John Balliol who’s claim to the throne was through his wife, Devorgilla, daughter of Alan, Lord of Galloway.
In 1430, the then Prior, James Herries, is reported to have repaired the monastery and enclosed the grounds with a precinct wall, probably similar to Sweatheart Abbey’s.
During his reign (probably in 1509), James IV, asked Pope Julius II to give the abbey to David, Bishop of Galloway to allow him repair the ruins and reform its discipline. Between 1510 and 1525 the Abbey was held in commendam by David. By 1529 the abbey is again described as ruinous though still with a few monks. King James V writes to Pope clement VII and the Cardinal of Ancona seeking the annexation of Tongland to the Bishopric of Galloway, and this was sanctioned in a Papal Bull of 1530. In 1541 James V, sought confirmation of the annexation from Pope Paul III, and in 1612 the annexation was confirmed by parliament. For a brief spell between 1588 and 1606 the abbey was held in commemdation by William Melville.
The existing ruins are very probably the result of the 17th Century adaption of the western transept of the abbey to form the parish church. The remains of the latest Kirk on the site are believed to sit on top of the main abbey. |
