On Jedbergh Abbey

       

View of the abbey from the west

North side of the Nave

         

 

Front view of the abbey

 

eighth century stone shrine

    

 

                                                

   Jedberg Abbey is located on the north bank of the Jedwater.  This spot was probably once used for a church by Bishop Ecgred of Lindifarne in 830 A.D. Jedberg is a large town existing between New Castle-upon-Tyne and Edinburgh. This Augustinian abbey dedicated to St.Mary was founded by the Scottish king, David I in 1153. Before that it existed as a priory (smaller than abbey, a convent )  in 1118 when David was a young prince. His grandsons Malcolm IV and William I of Scotland patronized this abbey. This abbey was endowed with considerable property and financial resources in Northumberland, and revenue from chapels and land in Southern Scotland. The construction of the abbey was completed in 1285 when Alexander III of Scotland married the princess Yolande de Dreux here.This abbey is an example of ornate stonework built in three storeys with rows of Romanesque arches, columns , decorative roofing and artistically designed tombs. This abbey was built in early Gothic and Romanesque style. In the abbey church there is a 12^th century tomb probably of John, Bishop of Glasgow, buried here in 1148. 

 

A Tomb in the abbey

         

Ornate stonework

   Due to its proximity to England’s border this abbey was attacked and damaged many times by the English forces. When William Wallace of Scotland defeated the Earl of Surrey in 1297 at Sterling, the English army wrecked the abbey to wreak vengeance. Later Robert I of Scotland took care of the abbey. In 1346 after the Scottish defeat at the battle of Neville Cross, the abbey was again attacked. In 1370 David II of Scotland completed the construction of the northern transept (building beside the main part of the church). This abbey faced attacks from the English army in 1410, 1416 and 1464. In 1523 both the abbey and the town were set ablaze by the forces belonging to the Earl of Surrey. In 1564 the Earl of Hertford attacked and damaged the abbey. With Scottish Reformation in 1560, this abbey lost its status. Though the monks were allowed to stay, the abbey was used as a parish Kirk for the reformed religion.  In 1871 it was considered unsafe to continue worship at the ruined abbey church, and so a new church was built as an extension to the western part of the nave. The Marquis of Lothian undertook restoration work of this abbey. Later in 1917 this abbey was handed over to Historic Scotland for preservation and proper maintenance of this marvelous construction. During excavation many artifacts like the 8^th century Anglian stone shrine, a Roman altar, a stone sarcophagus and an ivory comb belonging to 11^th century were discovered.     

   The monks of Jedburgh actively participated in social service activities such as giving shelter and feeding the poor and needy in times of famine, and cultivating gardens with medicinal herbs. In 15^th century they set up a grammar school to educate children. In the Jedburgh Tower House nearby Queen Mary of Scotland stayed in 1556 for sometime before she fled to London to escape from the wrath of rebellious Scottish nobles. Now this house is converted into a museum where many articles associated with her including her death-mask, are displayed.

  My visit to Scottish abbeys gave me a little knowledge about the pivotal role played by these citadels of knowledge in both spiritual and religious affairs. The tragic irony is that such magnificent centers preaching love and service had been razed down and their stores of wisdom consigned to flames just because of political hatred and destructive revenge, the curse of mankind in general.

The Diamond Bridge on Forth River

 

  On our way back to Edinburgh we luckily saw the famous Diamond Bridge, a modern technological marvel constructed over the river Forth, fourteen kilometers away from Central Edinburgh. This bridge was constructed between Dec.1882 and Jan.1890. It was opened on 4^th March 16, 1890; the length of this railway bridge is nearly 8,296 feet and connects Edinburgh with Fife. Next to Quebec Bridge this is the longest railway bridge in the world. This bridge was designed by two English men Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker and the work was executed by Glasgow based Company, Sir William Arrol & Co. This is the first steel bridge in Britain. This bridge was opened by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) on 4^th March 16, 1890. The three diamond shaped cantilever structures, each measuring 330 feet in height gives a unique look to this bridge. This bridge is considered as one of the hallmarks and distinguishing features of Scotland. Just running parallel to this, a road bridge is seen over the blue waters of the Forth—a scenic view indeed! This place has become a favorite spot for many film producers to click romantic songs and scenes. We relaxed ourselves near the banks  of the river enjoying the cool breeze and viewing the majestic diamond-shaped bridge spanning over the blue waters of the Forth river before embarking our flight to London again.

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        16th March 2014                                                             SOMASESHU GUTALA