[Illustration: FIG. 711.--Luffness Monastery. Plan.]
The monastery of the Redfriars at Luffness is believed to have been
founded by Patrick, Earl of Dunbar, in 1286. The remains of the church,
which consist for the most part of foundations, are situated in the
private grounds of Luffness House, not far from the junction of the
Peffer Burn with Aberlady Bay, and about half a mile from the village of
Aberlady. The church (Fig. 711) has consisted of nave and choir, without
aisles, the choir being internally 49 feet and the nave 42 feet in
length, and both about 19 feet 6 inches wide. Both show the bases of
buttresses at the east and west ends, and there seems to have been a
wall between the nave and choir, which possibly sustained the rood loft.
In the north wall of the choir and near the east end (Fig. 712) are the
remains of an arched recess, which contains a much worn effigy, supposed
to be that of the founder.
[Illustration: FIG. 712.--Luffness Monastery. Monument in Choir.]
[Illustration: FIG. 713.--Luffness Monastery. Choir.]
A pointed doorway leading to the choir adjoins the monument (Fig. 713),
and the altar steps are seen rising beyond it. Part of the pavement
still remains at the east end, and in the centre is a flat monumental
slab (Fig. 714), much decayed, but on which can still be made out the
following inscription:--“(Hic jacet) honorabilis vir Kentigernus Hepburn
(dominus?) de Wauchtoun;” and the sacred monogram “I.N.R.I.” on the
upper part of the cross. Kentigern Hepburn was son and heir apparent of
David Hepburn of Wauchton. He received, on 5th September 1498, a charter
from his father of certain lands--viz., the lands of Quhiltinfuld in
Edinburgh, half a plougate in Cockburnspath and lands of Elstanefurd,
with superiority of lands of Towly in Fife and Elstanefurd. He also
held, from his father, a charter of the lands and barony of Luffness. He
married Margaret Lauder (see Great Seal, 1424-1513). The arms on the
shield in the centre of the cross are those of the Hepburns. The style
of the slab would indicate that of the fifteenth century.
[Illustration: FIG. 714.--Luffness Monastery. Monument in Choir.]