The ecclesiastical architecture of Scotland from the earliest Christian times to the seventeenth century; vol. 3/3MacGibbon, David
History
The ecclesiastical architecture of Scotland from the earliest Christian times to the seventeenth century; vol. 3/3
MacGibbon, David
Church architecture -- Scotland
chapter house existed on the north side of the chancel, but it was
removed, and a new vestry is now erected in its place.
The principal entrance into the collegiate church was by a round arched
doorway in the south wall of the transept (Fig. 1278), and it is
believed that there was also a door in the west end. A small wheel
staircase in the south-east angle of the north transept leads to the
roof and tower, and also to an organ gallery in the north transept. The
top of the stair turret, as seen in the view, is modern.
The exterior, as viewed from the south-east (Fig. 1279), has a good
[Illustration: FIG. 1280.--Biggar Collegiate Church.
Details of Doorway in South Transept.]
effect, with the square battlemented tower rising boldly above the
buttressed chancel and transept. The windows are all pointed and filled
with simple tracery, and the buttresses are of simple but good design,
having a broad water table on top, and no pinnacles.
The windows are each set in a rectangular recess, which, although a
novelty, cannot be said to to be an improvement. It is in keeping with
the square forms of the Renaissance then being introduced. The arches
and jambs have triple splays. The doorway in the south transept is a
little more ornamental. The arch is round, as very usual in Scotland,
and there are two recessed arches, the inner one moulded and the outer
having enriched caps (Fig. 1280).
The tower contains a room on the first floor with a fireplace, and over
it is the belfry.
It is understood that the ancient roof was of oak, and that the timbers
in the chancel were gilt and emblazoned, doubtless with the arms of the
Flemings, who were buried there.
The interior (Fig. 1281) has been greatly remodelled, but the principal
arches at the crossing are preserved. The roof being of timber, the
arches
[Illustration: FIG. 1281.--Biggar Collegiate Church. Interior, looking
East.]
of the transepts are carried well up, and the windows are also of good
size, so that the church is well lighted, and forms, in this respect, a
striking contrast to Ladykirk and similar vaulted structures.
After the Reformation the offices and emoluments passed into the hands
of laymen.
CARNWATH CHURCH, LANARKSHIRE.
Carnwath is situated about two miles west from Carstairs Junction.
The original foundation of this church dates from a very early time. In
the middle of the twelfth century it was bestowed by William de
Sumerville on Glasgow Cathedral, which grant was confirmed by Pope
Alexander III. in 1170. The existing building is, however, of much more
recent date. It formed the north wing of the parish church, and was
added after a Collegiate foundation had been erected in 1425 by Thomas,
first Lord Somerville, for a provost and six prebendaries, and is thus
[Illustration: FIG. 1282.--Carnwath Church. Plan of North Transept.]
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