endlessrarities | More From Rosslyn Chapel...

Back to the medieval period now. Is Rosslyn Chapel the pinnacle of the medieval stonemason's art in Scotland, or an exercise in over-ornamentation?

Whatever it is, it's impressive. Almost every available surface has been subject to decoration. I'll devote another post to more detailed pictures of the carvings, but you get some idea of the diversity here. The stained glass is modern, i.e 19th century or later.

According to the accompanying guidebook (Rosslyn Chapel, by The Earl of Rosslyn), Dorothy Wordsworth is quoted as saying on a visit in 1807, 'Went to view the inside of the Chapel of Rosslyn, which is kept locked up, and so preserved from the injuries it might otherwise receive from idle boys, but as nothing is done to keep it together, it must, in the end, fall. The architecture within is exquisitely beautiful.'

Thankfully, the grim fate Dorothy Wordsworth anticipated never came to pass, and it's comforting to know that idle boys were just as troublesome 200 years ago as they are now!

Here's a view of the south aisle:-

As you can see, a number of other visitors had come to seize their last opportunity to take photos!

And lastly, another atmospheric shot of the interior.