Dunfermline became the place of royal burials, replacing Iona, which was becoming at risk with raids by Vikings. Queen Margaret was the first to be buried in 1093, with Malcolm’s remains being relocated here some years later from his first burial spot in Northumberland. The canonisation of Queen Margaret in 1250 enhanced the Abbey’s reputation with King Robert I (the Bruce) himself stating his desire to be interred in Dunfermline amongst the elite names of Scotland’s rulers.
But where are they now? In the town you will see businesses named after Seven Kings and find clues in products produced nearby. It is nearly 1000 years, and the Abbey lost records through fires and the Scottish Reformation, never mind the building improvements done over the 900 years since Margaret was laid to rest a first time. Records estimate at least 7 Kings, 6 Queens, 2 princesses, 2 Princes were interred in the Abbey Royal Tombs and other Barons and nobles of the medieval time.
Weblinks:
Dunfermline Heritage Graveyard Research
Abbey Church
For more on Queen Margaret, there’s the audio tour St Margaret Investigated at [link to Tour site]