R. L. Stevenson, as an exiled Scot, wrote that the destiny of the Scot is to live in voluntary exile from his native land and to have his memory filled with the blessed and gloomy place all the time. That is why the Scot gave Scottish names to places and streets wherever he settled. Hence our Melrose Street, named after the Abbey near Scott’s “Abbotsford” and about which Scott romanced so much.
It is sad to see Melrose Abbey in ruins. But as you view it bit by bit, you are entertained with a prodigal wealth of carving full of the rich gaiety of the medieval builders. Once example must suffice—the gargoyle of a pig playing the bagpipes! A typical piece of good medieval humour.
Entertainment then passes into enchantment. You come under the spell of the grace and delicacy of the stone caning. Again, one example must suffice — the exquisite window of the north transept. Its five lights are surmounted by delicate tracery flowing upwards to the famous; “Crown of Thorns”.
In the graveyard are the headstones of eminent men and of others less eminent. Sir David Brewster, the scientist, is buried there; also Tom Purdie, Scott’s forester, and Peter Matheson, his coachman.
The story of Melrose Abbey follows the traditional pattern of Border Scotland. Founded in 1136, it was destroyed three times by the English. First in 1322, but rebuilt. Then in 1385, and again restored. Last in 1545, and left in ruins.
Pillaging by the locals did further damage. In 1573, the then Sir Walter Scott was accused of stealing stone, timber and lead from the ruins, to rebuild his Branxholm Castle, blown up by the English in 1570. He said he did so to protect the materials from the English! In the pleasant town of Melrose, stones can be detected in some of its buildings that were looted from the Abbey’s ruins.
In her book “The Wheel of Time”, Sister Ignatius wrote that St. Joseph’s Convent in Brougham Street (completed 1891) was known among the Sisters themselves as “Melrose Abbey” on account of its proximity to the street of that name.(1)
Source. (1) Thursday, February 18, 1971. Blanchard collection “What’s in a Name” at North Melbourne Library.
4 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
6 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
8 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
14 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
15 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
16 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
17 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
18 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
19 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
20 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
21 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
22 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
23 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
24 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
27 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
28 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
29 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
30 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
31 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
32 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
33 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
34 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
35 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
36 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
37 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
38 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
39 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
40 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
42 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
44 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
46 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
48 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
50 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
52 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
81 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
90 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
92 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
94 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
96 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
98 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
100 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
102 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
104 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
106 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
108 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
110 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
112 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
114 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
116 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
118 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
119 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
120 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
122 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
124-126 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Constructed 1910
Style Federation: 1890–1915
Builder James A. Joyce of 66 Gatehouse Street, Parkville
128 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
130 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
132 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
134 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
171 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
175 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
177 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
179 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
181 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
183 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
185 Melrose Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
