Monkland Wall, Newbattle Abbey

Monkland Wall at Newbattle Abbey dates back to the 12th century and serves as a boundary wall surrounding the precincts of Newbattle Abbey. The remains of the original medieval wall extend from North Port Lodge northward to the first bend in the road south of Archbishop Leighton's House. This tall sandstone wall is constructed of random rubble and has been rendered, consolidated, and rebuilt in certain areas. The northern section of the wall reaches heights of 10 to 15 feet and features a rough stone coping, while the reworked sections further south have repaired or damaged coping. A low stone doorway provides access to an earlier church, which is now the site of Lothian Burial Ground, and there is a later door positioned opposite the present church with raised long and short surrounds. The wall, possibly known as Monkland Wall, has been reworked and reduced in size and continues in places south from South Port Lodge to the northeast of Riverside Cottages.