Abbey of Deer:

The Abbey Deer in the Vale of St. Mary near Old Deer, was founded as a Cisterian monastry around 1219 by William Comyn the Earl of Buchan. Now enclosed within a perimeter wall, the ruins are open to visitors all year round and give a insight into the lives of the monks who lived there hundreds of years ago - with a clear indication of the original layout being evident by the remains. Deer Abbey is situated in rolling Aberdeenshire countryside, surrounded by typical tree-peaked small hills; ideal for family outings with freedom for children to explore this unique slice of Scottish history.

William Comyn would probably have had two reasons for establishing the abbey at Deer - The monks at this time were very learned and he probably felt that they could do much to improve Buchan and probably, like most people of the Middle Ages, he would have had a firm belief in Heaven and Hell. If he gave land for an abbey then the monks would pray for his soul and ensure his place in Heaven.

The Monks of Deer Abbey

The monks at Deer were Cistercians, known as "White Monks" from the cloaks they wore. They followed the example of St Benedict. Benedict, a Roman of the fifth century AD had been so horrified by the evil lives that most people lived, that he left "civilization" behind to be a hermit. His reputation as a spiritual person spread and he soon had a band of followers. He taught them to live together as "brothers". He taught them that they had two main duties; to worship God and to work. They also had to take three vows:

Poverty - to give up all their possessions.
Chastity - never to marry.
Obedience - to obey the Abbot without question.

There was a much earlier Columbian monastery founded by St. Drostan in the sixth century AD. The exact location is uncertain but the important manuscript The Book of Deer was associated with the monks of the original settlement. More can be learned and reasons for its importance can be gained from the Book of Deer Project based at Aberdeenshire Council's office in Maud. Also visit their Visitors' Centre at Aden Country Park near Mintlaw.