Temple Of The Muses
Statue In Melrose, Borders
A temple containing four bronze statues depicting the "Four Seasons" dedicated to poet James Thomson.
Just along the road from Dryburgh Abbey (5-10 min walk) is a pretty little neo-classical temple called the Temple Of The Muses.
Sitting on top of a little rise, known as Bass Hill, we counted 9 columns with a domed roof sitting on top. In the middle are bronze figures depicting the Four Seasons, a celebration of nature. Doing a bit of research we found that the temple originally housed a statue of Apollo with 9 muses and laurel wreaths, but this went missing. The current statues were created in 2002 by artist Siobhan O'Hehir.
The temple is actually dedicated to poet and playwright James Thomson who was born in nearby Ednam and was commissioned in 1817 by the Earl of Buchnan who was a big fan of his work. (He was also responsible for the William Wallace Statue).
He is the author of “The Seasons” and also penned the lyrics to Rule Brittania. (There is a pub quiz fact for you!) There is also a little bust of Thomson on the roof.
Although you may not recognise his name, he was a big cheese back in the day. His name appears on the Walter Scott Monument (that huge gothic tower) on Princes Street in Edinburgh along with 16 other Scottish poets.
Just at the bottom of the mound is a little path leading to the Dryburgh Suspension Bridge over the River Tweed.
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How To Find Temple Of The Muses
Where Is Temple Of The Muses?
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55.581514, -2.654057
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Where To Park For Temple Of The Muses?
You can park in Dryburgh Abbey and it's a 5 min walk to the temple. Or there is space to just ditch your car on the grass verge at the foot of the mound.
Contributed by Simon Hawkins
Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue pele tower up a remote hill, a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.
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