Burial Ground, Sweetheart Abbey, New Abbey

The burial ground at Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey includes a collection of tombstones and the Stewart family enclosure, which dates back to 1856. This rectangular walled enclosure features a pedimented gateway adorned with the Stewart family arms. It is constructed from light sandstone rubble, using roughly squared large stones with smaller pinning stones, and has red sandstone ashlar dressings, including ashlar coping and droved quoins. A cast-iron gate provides access. Inside, there are red sandstone and marble monuments, along with a low-walled extension added around 1960 to the north, which contains simpler gravestones.

The gravestones in the burial ground date from around 1820 onwards, showcasing a representative collection of 19th century and later headstones, primarily made of red sandstone, with some in marble. Many of the stones were previously limewashed. Notable monumental stones include those for George Alexander Nicholson from 1824, featuring scroll-flanked and pedimented designs; Captain James Murray from 1834, which has Doric pilasters and an urn finial; John Regan Riddell from 1849, topped with an obelisk and displaying a coat of arms with gothic detailing; and James Kingan and family from 1932, which features a decorative pediment and cornice, made of white plaster with black lettering.