Rosslyn Chapel....... a tiny exquisite gem, full of secret symbolism, never completed, often threatened in its almost 560 year existence, legendary refuge for the Knights Templar, and a tribute to the vision of Sir William St. Clair, the 3rd and last Prince of Orkney.
When William St. Clair accompanied his cousin William the Conquerer to England, and fought at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the family joined the many Anglo-Norman generations that would eventually find their way up into Scotland in search of land, power and fortune.
Many generations and almost 400 years later, another Sir William St. Clair endowed the “Collegiate Chapel of St. Mathew” in 1446. It took approximately 40 years to build the section of the chapel you see today as Rosslyn Chapel and it is only a portion of the original design. The initial plans for the Collegiate Chapel of St. Mathew were grand indeed.
When William St. Clair accompanied his cousin William the Conquerer to England, and fought at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the family joined the many Anglo-Norman generations that would eventually find their way up into Scotland in search of land, power and fortune.
Many generations and almost 400 years later, another Sir William St. Clair endowed the “Collegiate Chapel of St. Mathew” in 1446. It took approximately 40 years to build the section of the chapel you see today as Rosslyn Chapel and it is only a portion of the original design. The initial plans for the Collegiate Chapel of St. Mathew were grand indeed.
The building was to be large and cruciform in shape, with a tower at its center. These “Collegiate Chapels” were built throughout Scotland for over a century, from the reign of James I through the reign of James IV (approximately 1406 - 1513) and they were meant to be secular foundations promoting the spread of intellectual and spiritual knowledge.
The more power and wealth a family had, the more elaborate these structures would be. Sadly, Sir William St. Clair's vision died when he was buried in the unfinished chapel in 1484.
The more power and wealth a family had, the more elaborate these structures would be. Sadly, Sir William St. Clair's vision died when he was buried in the unfinished chapel in 1484.
Fortunately for us, the portion of the chapel he built is a wonder of spiritual and religious iconography and whimsical Gothic sculpture all wrapped in intricate delicate stonework decoration.
The delicate sculpture, which survived the Scottish Reformation, local vandals and even use by the soldiers of Oliver Cromwell as a stable miraculously survived.
The delicate sculpture, which survived the Scottish Reformation, local vandals and even use by the soldiers of Oliver Cromwell as a stable miraculously survived.
After years of abuse, the chapel was rescued and much enhanced when the chapel was restored and the jewel colored, stained-glass windows were added by romantic 19th century architects!
The Baptistery along with the organ loft above, were also part of the 19th century restoration.
More stained-glass windows were added to the Baptistery in the 20th century to commemorate St. Clair family military service other beloved family members.
More stained-glass windows were added to the Baptistery in the 20th century to commemorate St. Clair family military service other beloved family members.
Ever since the book “The Da Vinci Code”, one can’t help but find the legends connecting the Knights Templar, with Rossilyn Chapel mysterious and intriguing.
It is true that Katherine St. Clair was married to the Grand Master Hughes de Payen and that several Templars fled to Scotland to escape persecution at the beginning of the 14th century.
It is also known that another William St. Clair was a Knight Templar who died in Spain in 1330 trying to bring the heart of Robert the Bruce to the Holy Land. These are facts. The rest is fun speculation for the rest of us!
It is true that Katherine St. Clair was married to the Grand Master Hughes de Payen and that several Templars fled to Scotland to escape persecution at the beginning of the 14th century.
It is also known that another William St. Clair was a Knight Templar who died in Spain in 1330 trying to bring the heart of Robert the Bruce to the Holy Land. These are facts. The rest is fun speculation for the rest of us!
Photographs are not allowed inside Rosslyn Chapel, but I hope you enjoyed these exterior photos of this little jewel of a chapel.
RSS Feed