a town of Scotland, in the county of Selkirk, and on the confines of Tweedale, seated on the south side of the river Tweed; with an ancient abbey, now in ruins. W. Long, 2. 32. N. Lat. 55° 32'.

This abbey was founded by King David I. in 1136. He peopled it with Cistercians brought from Rievaulx abbey in Yorkshire, and dedicated it to the Virgin Mary. At the reformation James Douglas was appointed commendator, who took down much of the building, in order to furnish materials for a large house to himself, which still remains, and is dated 1590. Nothing is left of the abbey excepting a part of the cloister walls elegantly carved; but the ruins of the church are of most uncommon beauty. Part is at present used for divine service, the rest uncovered; but every part does great honour to the architect.—Alexander II. was buried beneath the great altar, and it is also the place of interment of the Douglases and other potent families.—Its situation is extremely pleasant.