Rudy visited Arbroath twice in July 2021, once for an afternoon at the beach and then a few days later to see some local history.
- DAY ONE
- DAY TWO
- Keptie Pond & Water Tower
- Abbey & The Declaration of Arbroath
Arbroath Abbey
The ruins of the 12th Century Arbroath Abbey provide the most iconic image of Arbroath, the distinctive round ‘O’ window was originally lit up as a beacon for those at sea but now it’s just an ideal place for tourist selfies!
Founded in 1178 Arbroath Abbey was for 400 years the grandest and richest in Scotland. The Reformation led to it’s ruin and masonry was still being taken from the site until 1815 when preservation was first started upon. There’s now a modern Visitor Centre run by Historic Scotland but the grounds were closed for conservation maintenance during our visit.
Arbroath Abbey Arbroath Abbey Visitor Centre
The Declaration of Arbroath
In 1320, Robert The Bruce arranged for a letter affirming the Kingdom of Scotland’s independence to be drafted and sent to the Pope to refute English claims over the country. The letter was signed on the 6th April at a meeting of the Scottish aristocracy and Parliament at Arbroath Abbey. Probably the most important document from the Wars of Independence it’s said by some to have inspired the American declaration of independence. We think it very definitely inspired Mel Gibson’s awfully anachronistic Braveheart speech.
The Signing of the Declaration of Arbroath April 6 1320 at Arbroath Abbey by Charles Anderson DA RSW Presented by Arbroath Abbey Timethemes 2010
“It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we fight, but for freedom – for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.”