Reading time: 2 minutes
The crumbling stones of Melrose Abbey are surrounded by whispered tales of ancient tombs, ghostly monks and bloodthirsty vampires! We take a look at this creepy haunted church on the Scottish Borders.
In the soft glow of twilight, the Cistercian wonder of Melrose Abbey takes on a life of its own, its dark history seeping from every corner.
Melrose Abbey, solemnly situated on the Scottish Borders in the former county of Roxburghshire, has witnessed centuries of unrest and turbulence.
The abbey, founded in 1136, was seen as a sanctuary of faith.
But because it was at the center of Scottish-English tensions, it was often caught in the crossfire.
The scars of the abbey, particularly ravaged by King Edward II and King Richard II, are testament to its turbulent history.
Yet amid the warfare and strife, the abbey remained a spiritual refuge and final resting place for the nobility, including the heart of the revered King Robert I.
Ghosts of Melrose Abbey
Despite its hallowed grounds, there have long been rumors that Melrose Abbey is haunted by restless spirits.
Chief among these stories is the terrifying figure of Michael Scot, “The Scottish Wizard”.
With his knowledge of the occult, he is intertwined with stories of Melrose, thanks to the poetry of Walter Scott and myths passed down through the centuries.
Some claim that the mysterious stone coffin discovered in 1812 is none other than Scot’s, suggesting that his spirit lingers and never truly finds peace.
The vampire of Melrose Abbey
Even darker than the ghost of Michael Scot is the legend of the Melrose Vampire.
A chilling tale by Augustine’s canon William of Newburgh tells the story of an evil priest known as the ‘Hundeprest’ or ‘dog priest’.
This wicked figure rose from his grave after his death, terrorized the city and sought the blood of the living.
The monks of the abbey held a vigil at his grave, in a desperate attempt to end the vampire’s reign of terror.
After a harrowing confrontation, they managed to return him to his grave, but not for long.
At dawn they had dug up the cursed body, with the marks of an ax wound, and burned it to ashes.
Melrose Abbey today
Today, the haunting beauty of Melrose Abbey remains a draw for history buffs and thrill seekers alike.
As the mist shrouds the ruins, the stories of old come to life, reminding visitors of the abbey’s rich tapestry of faith, warfare and the supernatural.
So if you venture to this sacred place, be careful and show respect, because you never know who is watching from the shadows.
Melrose Abbey is located on Abbey Street, Melrose TD6 9LG.
Tell us in the comments section if you’ve been to Melrose Abbey. We’d love to hear what you think!
