Paisley Abbey

Paisley Abbey is a Gothic parish church of the Church of Scotland in the centre of Paisley, on the east bank of the White Cart Water, about 7 miles west of Glasgow. A former Cluniac priory, it ranks among the most significant medieval buildings in Scotland and is closely tied to the royal House of Stewart.

How did the abbey begin?

A church from the 8th century is said to have stood on the site before the priory arrived. In 1163 a Cluniac priory was founded here, and the abbey's recorded story begins. The present Gothic building dates from two periods: the 14th century and the 19th century, when parts damaged or neglected over the intervening centuries were rebuilt and completed. The Wars of Independence hit the monastery hard, and recovery took a long time.

After the Reformation in the 16th century the monastic community ended. The church became the parish kirk and still serves a congregation today, so a visit means stepping into a working place of worship rather than a museum.

Why does it matter in Scottish history?

The abbey is often called the cradle of the Royal House of Stewart. Buried here are six High Stewards of Scotland, Princess Marjory Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce, and King Robert III, which makes Paisley one of the country's most important burial places. Tradition also holds that William Wallace was taught by the monks, though that is a tradition rather than a certainty.

What to see inside

• The Gothic nave and architecture, where medieval walls meet 19th-century restoration.
• Tombs and memorials linked to the Stewarts and medieval Scottish nobility.
• The Barochan Cross, an early medieval carved stone cross moved into the abbey in 1981 to protect it from the weather. Its date is given variously, from the 8th to the 10th century.
• The organ, built in the nave in 1874 and among the church's highlights. It has since been moved, rebuilt and enlarged, with the original pipework retained.

Planning your visit

The abbey sits in the heart of Paisley, a short walk from the town hall and main streets, so it fits easily into a walk around town. Trains from Glasgow take only a few minutes. As this is an active church, opening times can change on service days and event days, so check the parish website before you travel. Allow about 45 minutes to an hour inside. You will get more from the atmosphere if you pause in the quiet of the nave or catch an organ recital.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Paisley Abbey? In the centre of Paisley, Renfrewshire, on the east bank of the White Cart Water, about 7 miles from Glasgow.

When was it founded? In 1163 as a Cluniac priory, on a site said to have held an 8th-century church.

Is it still a working church? Yes. After the Reformation it became a Church of Scotland parish church and remains one.

Who is buried here? Among others, six High Stewards of Scotland, Princess Marjory Bruce and King Robert III.

What is the Barochan Cross? An early medieval carved stone cross that was moved inside the abbey in 1981.