Description:

In the early 1200s, Duncan of Carrick founded the abbey, which was served for over four centuries by monks of the Cluniac order, named after the French abbey of Cluny. Paisley and Crossraguel were Scotland’s only Cluniac monasteries.

In the early years, a dispute flared between Paisley and its daughter house over Crossraguel’s independence. Paisley was determined to hold on to the churches and other endowments Earl David had granted to Crossraguel. As a result, Crossraguel likely didn’t operate smoothly until the late 1200s.

Then came the Wars of Independence with England after 1296. Robert the Bruce was by this time Earl of Carrick and the Crossraguel’s monks were loyal to their new patron throughout the conflict, causing the abbey to be targeted and severely damaged.