The ecclesiastical architecture of Scotland from the earliest Christian times to the seventeenth century; vol. 1/3MacGibbon, David
History
The ecclesiastical architecture of Scotland from the earliest Christian times to the seventeenth century; vol. 1/3
MacGibbon, David
Church architecture -- Scotland
proceeded to put in practice what he had in his view--viz., the
enlargement of his church, and its dedication to divine service. On this
work he expended the seventh part of the altar dues which fell to him,
reserving them for his own use. But inasmuch as the outlay was small,
the building made correspondingly small progress, until, by the Divine
favour and the influence of the King, offerings flowed in, and the work
went on apace. The basilica was thus founded, and in great part
constructed.”--_Chronicles of the Picts and Scots_, p. 191.
There can be little doubt that the building still surviving is the
basilica of Bishop Robert. Its architectural features correspond with
his date, and there is no other structure to which the above notice
would apply. The similarity of St. Regulus’ in many points to the early
churches of Northumbria has already been adverted to.[145]
The edifice (Fig. 153) consists of a chamber 26 feet long and 19 feet 10
inches wide internally, with walls about 34 feet high. The great height
of the building, as compared with its width and length, is one of the
points which connect it with the pre-Norman structures of Northumbria.
There appears to have been an eastern apse, of which only portions of
the foundations next the main structure now remain. A lofty square tower
(Fig. 154) at the west end of the oblong chamber is the most striking
feature of the building. It is about 110 feet high, and measures about
21 feet 4 inches square over the walls.
[Illustration: FIG. 154.--St. Regulus’. West Side of Tower.]
At the east end of the main building a lofty archway (Fig. 155) opens
towards what was probably the apse. The opening is 9 feet wide by
[Illustration: FIG. 155.--St. Regulus’. View from South-East.]
25 feet 6 inches high. Each jamb has three attached shafts (Fig. 156),
with somewhat rude caps and bases, and bold mouldings in the arch. The
existence of this archway clearly indicates that there was a building
towards the east of it, and we have no doubt that it was an apse; while
the main building was the chancel, and the nave stood (as will be shown)
to the west of the tower.
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