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Renfrewshire Community Plan 2008 - 2017 Paisley Abbey
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Paisley Abbey location map
Paisley's magnificent Abbey lies at the heart of Paisley town centre. It has been a place of worship since the 12th century, and continues to welcome worshippers and visitors today. Information about Abbey opening times is available from the Abbey's official website.
The Abbey was established by Walter Fitzalan, High Steward of Scotland, who brought thirteen Cluniac monks from Shropshire to establish a church and monastery. The monks built on the site of Paisley's first church, which was said to have been built by St Mirin in the 6th century. The monastery grew in size and influence.
The principal buildings surrounded the Cloister, and included the Chapter House, refectory, kitchen, monks’ dormitory and infirmary. Nearby there was a brewhouse, a bakehouse and a gatehouse, and the Abbot’s House which had its own orchard and deer park. Where the Town Hall now stands there was a mustard yard and a granary.
The principal buildings surrounded the Cloister, and included the Chapter House, refectory, kitchen, monks’ dormitory and infirmary. Nearby there was a brewhouse, a bakehouse and a gatehouse, and the Abbot’s House which had its own orchard and deer park. Where the Town Hall now stands there was a mustard yard and a granary.
The monks benefitted from gifts of land from the Stewarts and other benefactors so that by the 13th century they owned lands as far afield as Renfrew, Ayrshire and Roxburgh. The history of the monastery and the history of Paisley are closely connected: as the monastery flourished and attracted pilgrims to the area, the village of Paisley prospered alongside. The monastery was also a place of learning, and it is believed that Scottish hero William Wallace was educated there.
In 1307 the Abbey was burned by the English, and damaged by fire again in 1498. In 1540 its central tower collapsed. Each time the Abbey was rebuilt and improved. At the Reformation in 1560 the Abbey became a Protestant church and continued to play an important role as Paisley's parish church for more than 300 years.
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After the Reformation, ownership of the Abbey passed to Lord Claud Hamilton, who became Lord Paisley, and his son, who became the first Lord Abercorn. Lord Claud transformed some of the monastery buildings into a grand mansion-house, known as the Place (or "Palace") of Paisley. Unfortunately, by the 18th century, the beautiful palace had been let to an increasingly undesirable series of tenants, and was in a state of disrepair and neglect. It was even in use as a public house!
Succeeding owners of the Abbey's estates parcelled up the land and sold it off in small lots. Some of it became Paisley's New Town: streets with names such as Lawn, Incle, Thread, Silk, Cotton and Gauze which reflected the growing textile industry of Paisley.
The Abbey itself gradually decayed. While the nave
served as the parish church, the choir and transepts fell into ruin as the roofs fell in. Stone from the semi-derelict Abbey was used to build the Abbey Bridge, and slum tenements crowded around so much that it could hardly be seen.
Efforts were made in the latter part of the 19th century when the lower part of the tower was rebuilt and some repairs made, but in 1912 a major restoration began. The tower was rebuilt, roofs reinstated and the surrounding streets demolished.
served as the parish church, the choir and transepts fell into ruin as the roofs fell in. Stone from the semi-derelict Abbey was used to build the Abbey Bridge, and slum tenements crowded around so much that it could hardly be seen.
Efforts were made in the latter part of the 19th century when the lower part of the tower was rebuilt and some repairs made, but in 1912 a major restoration began. The tower was rebuilt, roofs reinstated and the surrounding streets demolished.
The Abbey today stands restored in an attractive setting. The Place of Paisley, on the south side of the Abbey, is also now restored and is the only remaining structure of the once extensive monastery. Within the Abbey is the memorial to Marjory Bruce, daughter of King Robert the Bruce and mother of King Robert II, the first of the Stewart Kings, and the 8th century Barochan Cross.
Find out more
For more information on this or other historic buildings in Renfrewshire, contact the Local Studies Library by:
- email: locstuds.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone: 0141 889 2360
- fax: 0141 887 6468
- write to:
Reference and Local Studies Library
Central Library
68 High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BB
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