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
In 1447 the king’s secretary, John of Ralstoun, was made bishop, but he
lived for only three years after his appointment.[23] He made provision
of hewn stones from the quarry of Burnbane for continuing the building
of the nave begun by Bishop Cardeny. Bishop Ralston died in 1450, and
was succeeded by Bishop Lauder, who completed the nave and decorated all
the windows with glass, and finished the roof. He also constructed a
handsome portico to the church before the southern doorway, and placed
figures of sculptured art therein. With his own hands Bishop Lauder
dedicated the church in 1464. But still untired of his sacred work, he
founded the campanile (Fig. 976) on 5th March 1469, and continued the
building on high. The chapter house was also founded by him in 1457.
This, no doubt, refers to the erection of the upper floor of the two
story building on the north side of the choir above described. Perhaps
this edifice contained the sacristy on the ground floor, on the level of
the choir, and the upper story added by Bishop Lauder may have been the
chapter house. At Glasgow Cathedral, the similar two story building
contained the sacristy on the upper floor, on the level of the choir,
and the chapter house on the lower story. This “Great and worthy High
Priest” likewise, in 1461, constructed a bridge over the Tay, near his
own palace, partly of stone and partly of wood. He likewise presented
the church with numerous splendid vestments and silver vessels,
including a silver cross containing part of the true Cross. He also had
paintings executed at the high altar, representing the twenty-four
miracles of St. Columba, and he constructed the bishop’s throne and
stalls in the choir.
In 1481 this prelate died full of years and of good works. By Bishop
Lauder’s influence the cathedral lands north of the Forth were raised
into
[Illustration: FIG. 975.--Dunkeld Cathedral. Monument of Bishop Cardeny
in Nave.[24]]
[Illustration: FIG. 976.--Dunkeld Cathedral. View from South-West.]
the barony of Dunkeld, and those south of the Forth into the barony of
Aberlathy.[25]
The bishops of Dunkeld, in addition to their palace or tower at Dunkeld,
had also a country seat at Loch Cluny (where their house still exists on
an island in the loch) and a residence at Cramond, in Mid-Lothian.[26]
The successors of Bishop Lauder are not stated to have added any
buildings to the cathedral; but it is mentioned that some of them,
especially Bishop Brown, adorned the interior with images and paintings,
and added to the store of rich vestments and ornaments.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account