Looking over the ruins at Coldingham Priory

Image: © James Denham Taken: 21 Oct 2012

With the restored church on the right. King Edgar of Scotland lost his power towards the end of the 12th. century and fled south but, with the help of William Rufus, he returned to Scotland with a huge army in an attempt to win back his crown. On the route between Durham and Berwickshire, he had a vision of St. Cuthbert, an image which convinced him to raise a holy house in that Saint's name near St. Abbs. The new church at Coldingham was later raised to that of priory by Edgar's brother Malcolm IV. Over the years, the holy house was attacked several times and was finally annexed to the crown in 1544. However, just two years later, was attacked yet again by Edward Seymour, 1st, Earl of Hertford. Further damage by Cromwell's forces in the mid 17th century meant the end of the church which was founded 600 years earlier. By the time of Cromwell's attack, the priory was already being used as the Parish Church of Coldingham and with constant restoration and renewal, still serves in that role. Work at the holy site is ongoing in an effort to preserve the beautiful church and ruins we now see.

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