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
“In a comparatively level spot, closely surrounded by rocks, there is a
low, rough, oval-shaped chapel (Fig. 39), internally measuring no more
than 14 feet in length [8 feet wide at the middle, and 6 feet 4 inches
at the ends],[74] the extreme antiquity of which there seems no reason
to question. On the outside (Fig. 40) the roof of this primitive cell is
of curved form, but inside the rude vaulting, which may be said to
commence almost from the ground, finishes somewhat short of the summit
in so many heavy slabs laid horizontally across. Externally the building
is a little dilapidated at both ends, and so is the roof; but within it
is quite perfect, and seemingly noways altered from its original state.
Entrance to it is by a low and very narrow flat-topped doorway, with
sloping jambs [3 feet 5 inches in
[Illustration: FIG. 40.--Teampull Sula Sgeir.]
height, 16 inches wide at top and 22 inches at bottom][74] in the south
wall. On its east is a small squared recess, and there is another recess
of the same kind in the west wall. The only window is a small one, of
squared form [2 feet 8 inches in length], in the east end, under which
is an altar, flanked by slabs, set on edge, and raised on a slightly
elevated dais, as is shown on the annexed plan.”[75]
FLANNAIN ISLES, OR SEVEN HUNTERS.
SEVERAL WILD UNAPPROACHABLE ISLANDS LYING TO THE WESTWARDS OF LEWIS.
Eilean Mòr, the largest of the group (about one-third of a mile in
extent), has precipitous sides and a flat grassy plain on the top, which
slopes to the south-west.
[Illustration: FIG. 41.--Teampull Beannachadh. West End.]
“The chapel of St. Flann, or Teampull Beannachadh (blessing) as it is
commonly called ... stands nakedly about the middle of the slope,
unenclosed and with no indications of having ever been surrounded by a
burial-ground. (Figs. 41, 42.) It is a very primitive looking thing,
composed of rough stones joggled compactly together without lime. The
form is a squared oblong, but not strictly regular, the external lengths
of the north and south walls being respectively 11 feet 11 inches and 12
feet 2 inches, the east and west walls, 10 feet 3 inches and 9 feet 2
inches respectively; [within the dimensions are--length 7 feet 3 inches;
width, 4 feet 5 inches.][76] The walls vary in thickness from 2 feet 5
inches to 2 feet 11 inches, taper a little, and are covered with a stone
roof internally flat, but following the obtusely pointed or cradle form
of the gables on the outside. Externally,
[Illustration: FIG. 42.--Teampull Beannachadh. East End.]
the total height of the cell is only 8 feet 6 inches; internally, 5 feet
9 inches. A narrow squared aperture, scarcely 3 feet in height [1 foot
10 inches in width],[77] in the west end, is at once doorway and window,
besides it there being no opening of any kind in the building.”[78]
III. CELTIC CHURCHES STANDING ALONE.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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