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Saturday, February 09, 2008

Arbroath Abbey's powerful history

Campaigners believe Arbroath Abbey should be named a world heritage site because of the history surrounding the building.

It was founded in 1178 by King William the Lion in honour of St Thomas, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who had been murdered.

The abbey was occupied by Tironensian monks from Kelso.

However, it is most well-known for being the place where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed - regarded by many as the most famous document in Scottish history.

It is believed the document was drafted by Abbot Bernard on 6 April 1320 on behalf of nobles and barons of Scotland.

The document urged Pope John XXII to recognise Scotland's independence.

Its most famous phrase is: "For, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule.

"It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself."

The Declaration of Arbroath is believed by some to have been an influence on those drawing up the American Declaration of Independence.

Full story at BBC Scotland News.

Photo: Celtic cross and church

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