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
The altar tomb of Bishop Tulloch, who died soon after 1455, stood
between the two eastmost pillars of the choir. It was a handsome
erection, and appears to have had a canopy, but not a fragment now
exists. A stone cist was discovered between the two east piers of the
choir (north side) during the repairs in 1848. It contained a skeleton
doubled up, and an ivory crozier and a plate of lead inscribed, “Hic
requiescit Wilialmus senex felicis memorie,” and on the back “primus
episcopus.” Bishop William the old died in 1168. The cist and bones were
carted away with the rubbish in 1856, but the ivory staff handle and the
lead plate are preserved in the Museum of the Society of Antiquaries at
Edinburgh.
Numerous slabs, with inscriptions of the seventeenth century, have been
erected against the nave walls.
At one time the cathedral possessed some fine specimens of woodwork. The
canopy over the Bishop’s throne (shown by Billings) has now disappeared.
The alms dishes, which are of brass, 2 feet 5 inches diameter, are of
Dutch workmanship of the seventeenth century. They are large and fine of
their kind.
The tower contains four bells. Three of these were given by Bishop
Maxwell. The great bell (3 feet 5½ inches diameter and 2 feet 9 inches
high) has, on a raised shield, the Bishop’s arms, a saltier, with
annulet in centre, and under it “NLTAS.” Also the following
inscription:--“Made by Master Robbert Maxvell, Bischop of Orkney the
yaer of God MDXXVIII the year of the reign of King James the V., Robert
Borthwik made mein the castel of Edinbrugh.” There is also in a
medallion, containing in seven lines, the following:--“Taken et brought
againe heir by Alexander Geddus marchant in Kirkwa and recasten at
Amsterdam Jully 1682 years by Claudius Fremy city bell caster. It weighs
1450 P.” On a medallion, a figure with a sword, and, under it SCT
MAGNVS. The latter inscription shows that this bell was sent to
Amsterdam
[Illustration: FIG. 247.--Kirkwall Cathedral. Plan at Level of
Clerestory.]
to be recast, which was required, in consequence of a crack or rift
having occurred in it.
The second bell (3 feet 1 inch diameter and 2 feet 5 inches high) bears
the following inscription in black letters:--“Maid be maister robert
maxvell bischop of Orknay in ye secund yier of his consecration in the
zier of god Im Vc XXVIII zeiris ye XV zier of ye reign of King James V.”
On a medallion is a figure with a sword, and, under it, “Sanctus
Magnus.” Below, “robert borthvik.” Also, on a medallion, the arms of
Scotland, and on another, the arms of Maxwell, and on another part,
“Ihs.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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