Silent Sunday…. Jedburgh Abbey

The River Jed Water flows below the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey.  The Abbey itself stands in the middle of the Scottish Border town of the same name.  Jedburgh Abbey is one of a ring of Abbey’s to be found in this Border region close to the English Northumberland Border.

This Augustinian Monastery was founded in the early 14th century. Prospered then its fortunes waned.  But its downfall was more due to violence that swept this Border area in the late 1400’s and early 1500’s, eventually  it was the Scottish Reformation’s of 1544 that was to be the final  blow.

Today we are left with, what to me is, one of the most dramatic Abbey ruins.  Its shear size only becomes apparent when you walk through the remains of the West Door with its intricated carved stonework…

Then, on entering the nave, the shear height of the multi-columned walls leading to an arched Tower in the east, suddenly becomes a dramatic reality….

It is always hard to visualise the skills of the architects and stone masons of those times, who carved and built these sculptured column’s and arches…. but it is also so hard to visualise the way of life for the Religious Order the lived and worshiped within the Abbey and its attached community.

At last we can admire the legacy that still stands the test of time.

Wherever you are this Sunday….

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

9th May

(C) David Oakes 2021