This fragment (Fig. 1407) is all that remains of the monastery of the
Red Friars at Dunbar. The field in which it stands is still known as the
Friars’ Croft.
[Illustration: FIG. 1407.--Monastery of Red or Trinity Friars, Dunbar.
Plan.]
It is generally supposed[186] that this building was originally a belfry
of the monastery, and that it was, at a subsequent period, converted
into a pigeon house; but it is much more likely that, besides being the
belfry, it was also the pigeon house of the monastery from the first. It
appears to be still very much in its original state. The walls which
support the central portion (Fig. 1408), which rise from arches in the
interior (Fig. 1409) and give the structure its belfry-like aspect, are
evidently as old as any other part of the structure, and the supporting
arches with their corbels are not insertions.
[Illustration: FIG. 1408.--Monastery of Red or Trinity Friars, Dunbar.]
It will be observed that in order to get solidity and strength in the
walls under these arches, the nests or pigeon holes are almost entirely
left out in those portions (see Fig. 1409). The cross beam and upright
post seen in the sketch are old. The ladder, which is fixed, enabled a
man to go up and search for the eggs.
This monastery was founded in 1218 by Patrick, sixth Earl of Dunbar,
[Illustration: FIG. 1409.--Monastery of Red or Trinity Friars, Dunbar.]
but these remains clearly belong to an age some two or three centuries
later. From the history above referred to, the monastery appears to have
been suppressed before the Reformation, about the year 1529, at which
date the brethren were translated to Peebles.