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
doorway to St. Clement’s Church, or the nave (Fig. 1049), consisting of
two round arched doorways, 8 feet 11 inches high, comprised within a
larger circular or elliptical arch, which again is enclosed by a square
moulding. The arch mouldings are enriched with foliage. The jambs and
central pillar are moulded (Fig. 1050) with alternate rounds and
hollows. The carved capitals have a continuous abacus, enriched either
with rosettes or flowing foliage. In the spandril over the centre shaft
there is a circular panel, enclosing the Virgin and Child; and below, on
a shield, are the arms of the Diocese of Brechin. “The late Bishop
Forbes blazoned them _Argent_, three piles in point gules; but Dr.
Woodward thinks they should be _Or_, three piles in point gules.”[76]
This doorway, as well as much else about the tower, was greatly restored
by Sir Gilbert Scott, and probably only certain of the carvings are
genuine. One of these, which has not been touched, represents, on the
ingoing of the northern capital, a boar eating acorns from a branch. It
is quite in the spirit of such scenes as occur on the ancient sculptured
stones which are so abundant in the neighbourhood of Dundee. The base is
peculiar (see Fig. 1050). It projects but little beyond the outer member
of the jamb, and the face is upright; but considerable effect is
obtained by the curved terminations of the various members. Above the
doorway rises a lofty traceried
[Illustration: FIG. 1050.--Dundee Church Tower. Details of West
Doorway.]
window (Fig. 1051) divided, in the late Scottish mode, by a large
central mullion having two arched branches which form two principal
openings, each filled with late tracery of the ordinary kind. Above this
window the tower is vaulted. In connection with this vaulting and what
appears to have been an apartment below it there are some peculiarities.
The floor of the tower is about 12 inches lower than the ground at the
entrance, and the height from the floor to the groined ceiling is about
47 feet. It will be observed from the Plan and Fig. 1051 that at each of
the four corners there is a large circular shaft, measuring about 13¼
inches diameter. Each individual shaft is fitted into its position in a
manner different from the others. These differences are not of a slight
or accidental kind, but appear to have been purposely made, there not
having been any “restoration” on this part of the building. At the inner
or eastern shafts (Fig. 1052) the walls are considerably bevelled
towards
[Illustration: FIG. 1051.--Dundee Church Tower. Interior, looking
West.]
[Illustration: FIG. 1052.--Dundee Church Tower. Interior, looking
East.]
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