In the case of Dunfermline, the Westminster Abbey of Scotland, the most
ancient, and consequently the most interesting part of the building has
survived the onward tread of many centuries, and though now only in the
form of a vestibule to the modern church, was once the nave of the
minster founded here in the 11th century. Its architectural features
somewhat resemble those of Durham and Lindisfarne with their stern
Norman characteristics. It is of eight bays with massive pillars (20
feet high by 13 feet 6 inches in circumference), some of which are
spirally channelled, while two have chevron mouldings, it has also a
very rich Norman north door, some Early English windows in the aisles,
and a triforium and clerestory composed of round headed arches. The nave
was the first piece of Norman work in Scotland, and from the 16th to the
19th century was used as the parish church of the district. The sound of
an organ was heard for the first time in Scotland within its walls. The
west front (Decorated) has a fine recessed portal with a four light
window with Geometrical tracery above. The western towers and north west
porch are also of the Decorated period, while the presbytery is entirely
Early English work. An interesting feature of the newly erected modern
Gothic church is the balustrade on the tower which covers the site of
Bruce’s grave (discovered during the recent rebuilding of the church),
and has terminals in shape of letters reading “King Robert the Bruce,”
“a modern apotheosis of the murderer of Comyn by men who cannot tolerate
the Cross, the symbol of salvation.” Of the other buildings, only the
south wall and west gable of the refectory, the gate-way with the
“pended” tower, and some portions of the abbot’s lodge remain. Beneath
the refectory are twenty-six cells.
The ancient mitred abbey measured 276 feet by 66 feet, was cruciform and
of mixed architectural periods. For many centuries Dunfermline was the
frequent residence of Scottish monarchs, and for more than two centuries
the kings were buried within its walls; notably the royal Founder, King
Edgar, Alexander I., Alexander III., David I. and Malcolm IV. The monks
had great influence in the neighbourhood and the monastery was richly
endowed.
Dunfermline, the “City of Fife,” stands on a long swelling ridge above
the Forth, and, viewed from the south with its background of Cleish
hills, presents a most striking aspect.
INDEX
Aben, a fugitive, 84
Aberac, Celtic name of York, 34
Adam, abbot of Meaux, 61
Adams, abbot of Valle Crucis, 167
Adeliza, Queen, 83
Adrian IV., Pope, 161
Ældred, abbot of Rievaulx, 49
Agatha, St, 50, 52
Aidan, St, 5, 17, 18, 187
Aifwardus, abbot of Evesham, 147
Ailesbury, Earls of, 44, 45
Aislabie, William, 63
Alban, St, British martyr, 2, 27, 161, 162, 163, 164
Albert, archbishop of York, 36
Albini, Gundreda de, 42, 43
Alcuin, schoolman of York, 34
Aldhelm, St, 7, 88, 89, 124
Aldwius, bishop of East Anglia, 112
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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