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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Sweetheart Abbey
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(10km/6m S of Dumfries) The ruins of a *Cistercian abbey, destroyed in the *Reformation. Within the great protective wall (enclosing some 12ha/30ac) only the church remains, well preserved up to the beginning of the roof line. The abbey's name recalls its romantic origins. It was founded in 1273 by Devorguilla de Balliol in memory of her husband John (they were the parents of the Scottish king John de *Balliol). Until her death in 1290 she carried John's heart with her (this was a period of portable hearts, as with *Robert the Bruce), and then she and the heart were buried in the abbey church. Known originally as New Abbey, it gradually acquired its present name.
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