St Giles Cathedral, Interior, Thistle Chapel Ceiling

Category

Library Item

Item no

12077

Title

St Giles Cathedral, interior, Thistle Chapel ceiling

Description

The vaulted ceiling of the Thistle Chapel in St Giles Cathedral as viewed from below. Carved stones bosses cover the intersecting ribs of the vaulted ceiling. There are three tracery windows on each side of the chapel.

Artist / maker

Inglis, Francis Caird

Date

1925

Size

37.5 x 50 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The Thistle Chapel was designed by Sir Robert Stodart Lorimer, and added to the south-east corner of St Giles Kirk in 1909-11. It is a private chapel for the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, hosting its ceremonies and services. The Order of the Thistle is the highest honour in Scotland. Opinions vary as to its origins, but the order certainly dates from at least the 15th century, and possibly as far back as the 9th. The honour fell out of use around the time of the Reformation and was revived first by James II and VII in 1687, and then again by Queen Anne in 1703. The order is bestowed on Scottish men and women who have held public office or made a significant contribution to the nation.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Ceilings

Architecture > Architectural features > Stone carvings

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Chapels

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