This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

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Memorial works

Following Albert’s premature death, Victoria commissioned the creation of photographs and decorative objects that memorialised her beloved husband

    GEORGE WASHINGTON WILSON (1823-93)

    Sweetheart Abbey

    1870

    Albumen print | 5.8 x 8.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2620056

    Photograph of the ruins of Sweetheart Abbey in the town of New Abbey in Dumfries and Galloway. In the foreground stand gravestones. Ivy covers the ruins.

    The Cistercian Abbey of Dulce Cor or 'Sweetheart' was founded in 1273 by Dervorguilla of Galloway in memory of her deceased husband, John de Balliol whose embalmed heart she kept during her lifetime.

    • Creator(s)

      George Washington Wilson (1823-93) (photographer)

    • 5.8 x 8.8 cm (image)

      17.5 x 13.2 cm (whole object)

    • Acquired by Queen Victoria

    • Subject(s)
      • Places
        • Europe
          • Great Britain
            • Scotland
              • Dumfries & Galloway [Scotland]
                • Sweetheart Abbey [Dumfries & Galloway]
      • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
        • Architecture
          • Ecclesiastical & religious architecture
            • Abbeys
            • Christian church architecture
              • Churches
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
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