Newbattle Abbey was established in 1140 by David I the house was used for a religious order of monks and was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Newbattle Abbey had a predominant and political role during the medieval realm of Scotland, many influential people would meet there.
In 1320 a meeting took place at Newbattle Abbey with Robert Bruce's Council. They drafted a letter to the Pope asking him to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge Bruce as the rightful King
Abbot Bernard of Arbroath brought the letter with him on his return and the complete letter was sent to the Pope in France.
Making Newbattle Abbey the birthplace of the most important document in Scotland's history - The Declaration of Arbroath
The Kerrs of Ferniehirst acquired the abbey in 1560, they made lots of alterations for it to be used as a family home.
The 11th Marquis of Lothian Philip Kerr (who was born in Woodburn House, Dalkeith) inherited Newbattle Abbey.
At this time Philip Kerr had so much land and property to deal with, He decided to gift it to the Scottish nation in the 1930s. For it to be used as an adult residential college, which it still is to this present day.
There are many tales of the Grey Lady who is said to be Margaret Heron of Gilmerton, who was murdered as a result of having a secret affair with a Monk. Both were sentenced to death by her displeased father Sir John Heron.
He had the couple burned to death in a cottage at Burndale-Melville Grange
Sir John Heron had to flee the country as a result of his actions and all of his estate was left to the Crown.
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