Standing beside the car park is a fine red sandstone tower, the
only remaining part of the thirteenth century monastery of the
Trinity Friars, also known as the Red Friars. The monastery was
founded in 1218 by Patrick, 6th Earl of Dunbar. The Order was
particularly renowned for its work during the Crusades when the
Order was responsible for ransoming and thereby freeing many
Crusaders captured by the Saracens in the Holy Land. - the number
90,000 is suggested but seems likely to be an exaggeration.
In 1529, the Trinitarians moved to Peebles. You will see the
remains of the Trinitarian Monastery in Peebles if you look for
Hydraulic’s excellent cache “Behind a Cuddy”
(GCX0GY). The monastery at Dunbar was destroyed by the Earl of
Hereford in 1540. The sole surviving remnant is this belfry which
was later used as a dovecote.
Unfortunately, local residents seem to have adopted the lawns
surrounding the Belfry as a “dogs’ toilet” so
watch where you put your feet!
GPS reception can be iffy under the trees but I checked the
coords from two different approaches and they settled to within 2
metres if given time.
BE MUGGLE AWARE