ROSSLYN CHAPEL Roslin Midlothian Menacing grotesques scowl a fiendish welcome as you approach the ornate, though decaying stone doorway of this mysterious chapel that is steeped in myth and legend. It was founded by “Sir William St Clair” Prince of Orkney in 1446, and its interior must surely rate as one of the most exquisite of any chapel in Britain. The barrel-vaulted roof is richly adorned with delicate carvings of daises, lilies, roses and stars. Angelic figures engaged in all manner of heavenly activity are moulded around the walls, but so too are stone demons, saints, martyrs, lions and even pagan green men. Elsewhere a ferocious dragon coils around intricately carved column that is known as the “Apprentice” or “Prentice Pillar”. The story behind the creation of this famous pillar is both fascinating and tragic. The master mason was requested by St Clair to Carve this particular pillar in the style of a specific one he had seen in Rome. Unwilling to commence work without first viewing the original, the master set off for Rome to prepare for the task. Whilst he was away his apprentice dreamt that it was he who has finished the column, and with his details still fresh in his mind, set to work on carving the pillar himself. When the master returned he is said to have been so envious at the superior skill demonstrated by his pupil that he flew into a rage and struck the unfortunate bot across the head with a mallet, killing him instantly. The master was hanged for his crime, and the boys ghost has haunted the chapel ever since. He is seen standing by the column gazing as it with a look of mournful longing etched across his face. Some visitors have also heard the sound of weeping, apparently emanating from within the column itself. Elsewhere in the chapel there is still a poignant reminder of the long-ago tragedy. Glazing down from the walls to the right and left of the organ loft are the carved images of the unfortunate apprentice (complete with head wound), his grieving mother and the murderous master.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 10:40:38 +0000
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