Located in the county of Angus in Scotland is the former royal burgh Arbroath. Located on the North Sea Coast this area dates back to the Iron Age. While the area may have been settled during this time period the town itself dates back to the High Middle Ages when Arbroath Abbey was founded. The abbey, in which construction began in 1178, was consecrated in 117 but it wasn't actually finished until 1233. By this time King William the Lion, who had founded the abbey, had already passed away and was actually buried in the area in 1214. The town has continued to thrive thanks to the industrial revolution and the fishing industry that calls the North Sea home.
The Abbey was given independence from its mother church and endowed generously by King William, it's income coming from some 24 parish churches in the area. The king also allowed the abbey monks to run a market and build a harbor. It wasn't until King John came along, however, that the abbey gained the freedom to buy and sell goods throughout England toll-free. This, of course, didn't include London. Thanks to it's freedoms the Abbey grew to become one of the richest in Scotland. Today the abbey is open to visitors who wish to come view this historic site. One thing that most visitors will notice is the local red sandstone that was used to build this massive site. While it was built over the course of 60 years the site looks as though it was built by one single coherent set of workers. Medieval Scottish architecture can be seen in many areas of the abbey. It really is a sight to behold.
The re-enactment of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath is one of the biggest attractions that Arbroath has all year. This reenactment takes place in the remains of the abbey church much like it would have happened all those years ago. During the time the Declaration of Arbroath, also known as Scottish independence, was written in Latin. For that to have happened it is believed that the Abbot of Arbroath Abbey, Bernard, drafted the document for them. Many historians and scholars are probably quick to point out that the Declaration was rhetorical in many ways. It showed that had always been an independent nation and that Edward I had unjustly attacked Scotland. While the document is dated the 6 of April 1320 there was no actual meeting of the nobles on that date. The reenactment gives us some insight into the world of the Arbroath during this unsettled period of time.
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