Dryburgh

Described and illustrated in Walker as "a very beatiful example of Transitional Norman date" and, to him, there is no other example in Scotland of this early date that can compare with it in beauty and design. Each side is richly ornamented with interlaced and foliated dragons raised above the surface; the winged bodies occupy the upper portions and the thickest parts of the serpent-like portions intertwine in the centre of each side [...]". Framed by these dragons, the rest of the basin sides is occupied by a double roundel of foliage, each ending in a leaf or flower. Walker reports the drain as being in the side and has been closed from the outside. Only the basin remains, the lower part with some damage showing. Walker (ibid.) described the material as "hard grey freestone" and reports the carving "on most of the faces being still crisp and sharp", but complains that "this fine font stands at present [ca. 1887] in the ruined cloisters of the abbey, exposed to wind and weather. It seems a pity such a fine piece of work should be allowed to remain outside, and it is to be hoped it will shortly be placed under cover in some secure and dry situation." (ibid., p. 365, 367)