Description

Probably later 13th century. Partially remaining undercrofts of 2 separate parallel rectangular ranges running N/S; each with narrower remaining 2-bay elevation to S. Gothic; lancet windows with moulded arches (those to dorter joined by string course); splayed internally; remains of rib vaulting. Coursed dressed sandstone with ashlar dressings. Stepped base courses to both ranges.

REREDORTER: S ELEVATION: 2 windows; that to right partially intact. Remains of flanking buttresses. W ELEVATION: single window to S; remains of buttress to right. Otherwise adjoins bank of earth supporting churchyard. N ELEVATION: adjoins bank of earth supporting churchyard. E ELEVATION: foundations only extant. Remains of drain channel adjacent. INTERIOR: 4 bays in length; bays divided by chamfered wall shafts of vaulting. Fireplace to 2nd bay from S in W wall; triangular-headed entrance to adjacent bay to right. Inserted entrance to N wall.

DORTER: S ELEVATION: 4 windows; remains of central buttress and flanking buttresses. W ELEVATION: S wall of frater range adjoins at right angles to N. 2 and a half bays to S divided by remains of buttresses; 2 windows to outer right bay; one to left; entrance with moulded Gothic arch to N of S wall of frater range, opening into lobby of frater undercroft. E ELEVATION: Most of wall buried under churchyard. Single extant window to S. Buttress to left. N ELEVATION: buried underneath churchyard. INTERIOR: largely obscured by protruding embankment wall supporting churchyard. Bays divided by circular wall-shafts and subdivided by conical corbels formerly supporting sexpartite rib vaulting. Stone bench along wall.

Statement of Interest

Property in care. A-Group with Dunfermline Abbey, Nave, New Abbey Parish Church, Gatehouse, Frater Range, Palace and Kitchen and Entrance Gateways and Boundary Wall (see separate list descriptions). A Benedictine priory was established in Dunfermline in around 1070 by Queen Margaret, wife of Malcolm III. It was upgraded to an abbey by her son, David I in 1128. In 1304 the monastery buildings were partly destroyed by Edward I during the Wars of Independence. Judging by their existing remains, the dorter and reredorter were included in 'the few houses for monks' that were left standing.

Scheduled Ancient Monument.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17567663

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability
• 
  Herefordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
• 
  Kent: West and the Weald: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Suffolk: West: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  London 3: North West: North West v. 3 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)