The abbey of Sweetheart was founded near Dumfries in 1273 by Lady Devorgilla of Galloway in memory of her late husband, John Balliol (founder of the Oxford university college which bears his name). At her own death in 1289, her body was laid to rest before the high altar and her husband’s embalmed heart, her ‘sweet, silent companion’, placed beside her. The monks chose the name of Sweetheart, or Dulce Cor, for their abbey in her memory.

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