St Matthew's Chapel, also known as Rosslyn Chapel is located just outside the village of Roslin, roughly 7 miles from the centre of Edinburgh. It was established in the mid 15th century by Sir William St Clair, Prince of Orkney. Sir William St Clair died before the project could be completed, and what exists now is a fraction of the original cruciform plan. The chapel draws many visitors, and is famous for its ornately carved interior and its association with the Knights Templar, a mediaeval Christian military order which has recently been the subject of some popular fascination. The 'Prentice Pillar dates to the 15th century and has carved dragons at its base and diagonally winding carvings around the outside. Its name comes from the 18th century legend which says that the pillar was carved by a precocious apprentice.
This image is from a travel volume entitled, Dear Auld Reekie produced by The Homeland Association and printed in 1925.
The image library for the collections of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums and Galleries The image library for the collections of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums and Galleries