Inspired mostly by recently having read Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, my friends Gregor, Caitlin & I visited The Collegiate Church of St. Matthew at Roslin village (more commonly known as Rosslyn Chapel) on Monday. It is a working Episcopal church and, since the Da Vinci Code particularly, a tourist attraction. The web site notes,
'This building, I believe, may be pronounced unique, and I am confident it will be found curious, elaborate and singularly interesting, impossible to designate by any given or familiar term' wrote Britton on his Architectural Antiquities of Britain (1812), adding somewhat despairingly that its 'variety and eccentricity are not to be defined by any words of common acceptation.'.In truth, it is a fascinating 'jumble' of architectural substance and decoration; 32 different forms of arch, gargoyles, fleur de lis, stained glass, stars, doves. Barely an inch of stonework goes unembellished. The Apprentice Pillar is stunning, as is the Masons Pillar. The workmanship is stunning, not only aesthetically but that it has lasted since 1446 and remains today worthy of the conservation and restoration programme currently underway.
As a student, entry was four pounds, others I think were five. Regardless, it is deserving of every penny if you have any interest in architecture and our heritage.
Posted by Paul in Heritage Edinburgh at January 5, 2005 04:06 PM | 2 Comments
