Dercongal Abbey

Sir Herbert Maxwell records that Archibald Douglas, 'Archibald the Grim', Earl of Wigtown, built a hospital at the Monastery of Holywood in gratitude for his successes, both personal and political.

Maxwell regards the Abbey of Holywood (Abbacia Sancti Nemoris) as being founded by Devorgilla, daughter of Alan, Lord of Galloway and mother of King John Balliol.

Grose records that a fine Gothic arch supported the oak roof and under the floor were a number of sepulchral vaults.

Also stated is that the renowned medieval scholar and astronomer Johannes de Sacrobosco was once a monk at the abbey.

The RCAHMS records that in 1362 almshouses for men were set up within the abbey precincts and that in 1609 the temporal Barony of Holywood was established.

The nave of the hospital and preceptory of the abbey as sketch in 1849, seven decades since the demolition of the abbey ruins.
Seal of one of the abbots.