The abbey was founded by David, Earl of Huntingdon, grandson of David I., and brother of King William the Lion. The foundation took place in 1178, being the same year as that in which Arbroath Abbey was founded by William the Lion. The abbey was colonised by Tironensian monks from Kelso, Guido, the first abbot, having been previously prior of the latter monastery. The buildings are said to have been erected under the superintendence of Abbot Guido, but as he died in 1219, the style of architecture, which is pure first pointed, leads to the conclusion that they can only have been planned, and perhaps begun, under the first abbot. The institution was munificently endowed by the founder, who bestowed upon it churches both in Scotland and England. It was also encouraged by the De Quinceys, Earls of Winchester, who, in 1264, presented to it the peat moss of Kinloch and the Church of Culessy. The Church of Dundee also belonged to the monks of Lindores. The abbey is in the parish of Lindores (now Abdie) (_q.v._), and the name of the old Culdee church which stood beside the Loch of Lindores, a few miles to the south, was transferred from the church to the abbey, as being the most important ecclesiastical establishment in the parish. The word Lindores is believed to mean “the church by the water,” and “Abdie” refers to the possessions of the early monastic establishment. Lindores Abbey was an institution of considerable importance, and was frequently the temporary residence of royalty. In 1265 it was visited by Alexander III., and in 1296 by Edward I., when he received the allegiance of the district. David II. also resided in the abbey. The unfortunate Duke of Rothesay, who perished at Falkland in 1401, was buried in the church. James, Earl of Douglas and Duke of Turenne, after a lifetime spent in contending with James II. and III., retired to the Abbey of Lindores, where he passed the last five years of his life, and declined to be drawn from its seclusion either by James III. or his rebellious nobles, who both applied to him for his assistance. He died in 1488. Towards the end of the fifteenth century the possessions of the monastery were felt to be in a precarious state, and tacks of the abbey lands were granted to laymen who could defend them. In 1543 the populace of Dundee made a destructive attack on the houses of the Black and Grey Friars in that town, and afterwards assailed the Abbey of Lindores, from which they ejected the monks and destroyed the furnishings and ornaments. The abbey afterwards passed into the hands of commendators, till, in 1600, Patrick Leslie of Pitcairlie was created Lord Lindores, and endowed with the estates. The buildings appear to have been allowed to go to ruin, and to have been gradually removed by the inhabitants for building materials. Mr. Laing gives instances to show that the ruins were regarded as a common [Illustration: