A few of us had a wander around the area of Newbattle Abbey, Midlothian, on a lovely summery evening.
Wikipedia says the monastery (long gone) was founded in 1140. Its first Abbot was Rudolph, and the abbey was visited by most of the Kings of Scotland. The monks are thought to have been the first Scottish coal miners, contributing much to the wealth of the Abbey. Parts of the building became a stately home in the 1600's, with additions continuing to the late 1800's, before being granted to the nation in 1937 for adult education.