Scotland ~ Melrose Abbey ~

... Magnificent view of probably the most famous ruin in Scotland... an architectural gem...  it is rich in history and full of mystery...  its red-tinted ruins include the dilapidated remains of a 12th century old Cistercian monastery... the magnificent and well-preserved Gothic-style Abbey Church... and a graveyard with mossy weathered stones.... Thanks so much Andrene!!(✿ ♥‿♥) (must have been once more a wonderful place to visit)

© Douglas Corrance
Melrose Abbey is  the first Cistercian abbey situated in the Borders region of Scotland, founded in 1136 by King David I.

The Gothic abbey is built in the form of St. John's cross, with a considerable part of its principal tower now in ruins.

There are Scottish Kings and nobles buried here. Among them is Alexander 2nd and the heart of Robert The Bruce. It started to decline when an English Army of Henry VIII in 1544 invaded it when he was trying to get Mary Queen of Scots to marry his son.  It then fell into decline as it was not repaired and Cromwell finished it off during the English Civil War.

Stamps:

Windmills and Watermills Special Stamps
New Abbey Corn Mill - Scotland
(Issued 20-06-2017)

 Queen Elizabeth II