The priory of Whithorn was founded in the time of David I. by his friend Fergus, Lord of Galloway. It was colonised by Premonstratensian Canons, and became the chief church of the diocese of Galloway. The sanctity of St. Ninian’s shrine was universally recognised, and it was constantly visited by thousands of pilgrims, many of them the most distinguished persons in the land. King Robert Bruce made the pilgrimage to Whithorn in 1329, not long before his death. Other royal personages also visited the ancient seat. James IV. paid annual visits, and sometimes went twice in the year. From the _Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer_ we learn that he made the pilgrimage in state, accompanied by a large retinue, including his minstrels. The priory naturally became wealthy, and the church and other buildings were of great extent. [Illustration: FIG. 876.--Whithorn Priory. Plan of Nave.] In 1587 the property was, by Act of Parliament, annexed to the Crown; and in 1606 it was granted by James VI. to the Bishop of Galloway. It became transferred, in 1641, to the College of Glasgow, and finally, in 1689, it reverted to the Crown. All the documents which might throw light on the history of the monastery have, unfortunately, been lost. They are supposed to have either been destroyed or carried abroad by the canons at the Reformation. Some distinguished men held the office of prior, amongst whom were Gavin Dunbar, who was prior in 1514, and afterwards tutor to James V., and Archbishop of Glasgow; and James Beaton, who also subsequently became Archbishop of Glasgow and St. Andrews.[167] Of the extensive buildings of the monastery there remained standing, in 1684, according to Symson, only the steeple and the body of the great church; all the remainder was in ruins, or had been carried away. The [Illustration: FIG. 877.--Whithorn Priory. Ground Plan. 1. Foundations of West Tower, which fell at the beginning of last century. 2. Gable then erected, closing and contracting Parish Church. 3. In its complete state, Nave of the Old Priory Church, closed at east end by a sixteenth or seventeenth century gable. 4. Burial Vault of the Murrays of Broughton, seventeenth century. 5. Site of Cloisters. 6. Site of Domestic Buildings of Priory, on the foundations of which the present Parish Church was erected, 1822. 7. Ancient Entrance to Domestic Buildings. 8. Remains of Slype, uncovered December 1888. 9. Piece of well-laid Rubble Causeway, with good Camber. 10. Chapter House, Site of. 11. Remains of Pillar found in situ. 12. Small portion of twelfth century South Transept. 13. Crypt of a later Transept, with small circular and domed chamber, and angle buttresses of uncertain projection. 14. Chancel Crypt, originally rib-vaulted, now barrel-vaulted. 15. Stair from Church to Crypt, now blocked. 16. Larder, or Apartment connected with the preparation of edible animals for the kitchen. 17. Foundations of Lady Chapel.