We’ve just had a wonderful visit to Rosslyn Chapel at last! I’ve been wanting to see inside it for ages and it wasn’t too busy today so I had a good look around. We’re only allowed to take photos of the exterior so I scribbled down some details then bought the guide book to see what I might have missed once home!
There are so many interesting carvings and quirky stone images inside (including one of the angels playing the bagpipes!) that it probably needs more than one visit to fully appreciate it all. We even negotiated the steep stone steps down to the Crypt or Sacristy, which is the oldest part of the Chapel. Here are a few of my favourite items from our wander around the interior:
The Mason’s Pillar and the Apprentice Pillar – situated along from each other. Evidently while the mason was away, his apprentice carved a much more elaborate pillar, so enraging the mason that he killed his apprentice in a jealous rage.
The Seven Acts of Mercy and the Seven Deadly Sins – both depicted on separate lintels.
The Dance of Death, where each of the figures, whether pauper or rich, is led by a skeleton, thought to be one of the earliest depictions of this in stone.
An upside-down angel bound by rope, thought to be the fallen angel, Lucifer.
An inscription in Lombardic letters which translates as: ‘Wine is strong. The King is stronger. Women are stronger still; but truth conquers all.’
These are but a tiny example of this amazing 15th century chapel. There’s also a little café for refreshments after all that concentration!
Comments