Abbey Church, Paisley - Tinted lithograph

Abbey Church, Paisley - 1868 tinted lithograph

Abbey Church, Paisley.

Tinted Lithograph

Published in Edinburgh - 1868 in Parish Kirks and Manses in Scotland by A. Fullarton & Co.

Excellent level of detail.

Print size - 11.75" x 9.25"

It is believed that Saint Mirin (also spelt Saint Mirren, hence the name of the local football team: St Mirren FC) founded a community on this site in 7th century. Some time after his death a shrine to the Saint was established becoming a popular site of pilgrimage and veneration. The name Paisley may derive from the Brythonic Passeleg, 'basilica' (derived from the Greek), ie. 'major church', recalling an early, though undocumented, ecclesiastical importance.

In 1163, Walter FitzAlan, the first High Steward of Scotland issued a charter for a priory to be set up on this site. It was raised to the status of abbey in 1245. In 1307, Edward I of England had the abbey burned down. It was rebuilt later in the 14th century.

In 1316 Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert I of Scotland and wife of Walter Stewart, the sixth High Steward of Scotland, was out riding near the abbey. Heavily pregnant at the time, she fell from her horse and was taken to Paisley Abbey where she gave birth to King Robert II. However, Marjorie Bruce died and is buried at the Abbey. In the abbey itself there are signs which indicate that Marjorie's baby was cut out of her womb, a caesarean delivery long before anaesthesia was available. A cairn, at the junction of Dundonald Road and Renfrew Road, approximately one mile to the north of the Abbey, marks the spot where she reputedly fell from her horse.

A succession of fires and the collapse of the tower in the 15th and 16th Century left the building in a partly ruined state - although the western section was still used, the eastern section was mainly robbed for its stone.

 Due to age, some minor foxing and toning is present, please view .

This item was hand picked for its image quality, paper quality, and visual appeal.

Suitable for framing.