Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA1 1JG

Details

Accessibility

Brief description

https://www.paisleyabbey.org.uk/history/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paisley_Abbey

2025: "Paisley Abbey is a parish church of the Church of Scotland on the east bank of the White Cart Water in the centre of the town of Paisley, Renfrewshire, about 7 miles (11 kilometres) west of Glasgow, in Scotland. Replacing a church of the 8th century, the abbey church was founded as a Cluniac priory in 1163, with the present Gothic building dating from the 14th and 19th centuries. Following the Reformation in the 16th century, it became a Church of Scotland parish kirk. 

Paisley Abbey is the burial place of all six High Stewards of Scotland, Marjorie Bruce who was the mother of Robert II, and the wives of Robert II. The Celtic Barochan Cross, once sited near the village of Houston, Renfrewshire, is now inside the abbey itself. The cross is thought to date from the 10th century. In the abbey's nave, the Wallace Memorial Window, which depicts the image of Samson, was donated in 1873.

A tomb in the choir incorporating a much-restored female effigy is widely believed to be that of Marjorie Bruce. Although there is no evidence that she is buried at exactly that location, her remains are thought to be within the abbey. The tomb is reconstructed from fragments of different origin – the base is likely to have originally formed part of the pulpitum of the Abbey (a stone screen separating nave and choir), such as survives at Glasgow Cathedral.[17]

Opposite Marjorie Bruce lie the tombs of Robert III of Scotland and Simon fitz Alan. A Latin inscription commemorates the three children of Margaret Seton and Claud Hamilton, 1st Lord Paisley who died as infants; Margaret (1577), Henry (1585), and Alexander (1587).[18]

Stained glass (removed in the Reformation) began to be replaced in the 1870s. Major works include a window by Edward Burne-Jones and the huge east window by Douglas Strachan.[19]

The dramatic memorial window to James D. D. Shaw dates from 1989 and is by John Clark.[20]

The Abbey organ is reputedly one of the finest in Scotland, and was originally built by the most distinguished of all 19th-century organ builders, Cavaillé-Coll of Paris in 1874. This is one of only six in the UK.[21] Since 1874 it has been rebuilt and extended four times. The organ as rebuilt by Walker in 1968 has 4 manuals, 65 stops and 5448 pipes.(National Pipe Organ Register; "The Organ at Paisley Abbey", booklet pub. Paisley Abbey) In 2009 the instrument underwent a major restoration by Harrison and Harrison of Durham. The work included major cleaning and servicing, the provision of a new wind system and the addition of a 32 ft contre bombarde. The latter was part of the 1968 scheme by Ralph Downes but not included in the work actually undertaken.

Paisley Abbey is used for worship services every Sunday. Since the Reformation the Abbey has served as a parish church in the Church of Scotland. In 2002 the congregation had 823 members. The minister (since December 2022) is the Reverend Jim Gibson."

Address

Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA1 1JG

Email

info@paisleyabbey.org.uk

Phone

+44 (0)141 889 7654

Website

https://www.paisleyabbey.org.uk/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paisley_Abbey

Directions

"The Abbey is in the heart of Paisley. It is served by the M8 motorway just a 20 minute drive from Glasgow City Centre and 8 minutes from Glasgow Airport.  There is no on site car parking at the Abbey, details of local car parks and tariffs near the Abbey.

https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/11992/Car-parks-parking-spaces-and-parking-tariffs-in-Paisley"

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

December 2025:  "https://www.paisleyabbey.org.uk/visit/

The Abbey, shop & cafe are normally open Monday to Saturday from 10am – 4 pm with last admission at 3.30 pm "

Transport

"The Abbey is a 5 minute walk from Paisley Gilmour Street train station, the train journey from Glasgow takes approx 10 minutes. For more information of local bus services that stop by the Abbey

http://www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk "

Amenities

shop & cafe https://www.paisleyabbey.org.uk/shopcafe/

"The Cafe has a wide selection of tea, coffee, soft drinks, cakes, scones and biscuits."

"Renfrewshire Foodbank

The congregation of the Abbey supports the Foodbank set up to serve the local community.By doing so we are trying to assist the most vulnerable people for whom life can prove the most difficult.The Foodbank distributes to those for whom the need is most urgent. if you would like to contribute, please bring along your donations to the Abbey on the last Sunday of the month.

https://renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk/ "

https://www.paisleyabbey.org.uk/events/hire-the-abbey/