Dundrennan Abbey, in Dundrennan, Scotland, near to Kirkcudbright, was a Cistercian monastery in the Romanesque architectural style, established in 1142 by Fergus of Galloway, King David I of Scotland (1124–53), and monks from Rievaulx Abbey. Though extensively ruined, Dundrennan is noted for the purity and restraint of its architecture, reflecting the austere Cistercian ideal. It is also built from very hard-weathering grey sandstone, so the original architectural forms and mouldings are well preserved.
Dundrennan Abbey
Dundrennan Abbey
Abbot's Monument
Fergus of Galloway was a twelfth-century Lord of Galloway. Although his familial origins are unknown, it is possible that he was of Norse-Gaelic ancestry. Fergus first appears on record in 1136, when he witnessed a charter of David I, King of Scotland. There is considerable evidence indicating that Fergus was married to an illegitimate daughter of Henry I, King of England. It is possible that Elizabeth Fitzroy was the mother of Fergus's three children.
One of the mounds in Lochfergus, a now-drained lochan near Kirkcudbright, where Fergus may have had a fortress
The ruinous castle of Cruggleton from a distance. This fortress was an ancient Gallovidian power centre, and the castle itself may have been built by Fergus's grandson, Roland fitz Uhtred.
Seal of Alexander I, King of Scotland, apparent brother-in-law of Fergus
Henry I, King of England as depicted in British Library Royal 14 C VII
