St Giles, Easter Sepulchre, Mutilated, North Aisle

Category

Library Item

Item no

3094

Title

St Giles, Easter Sepulchre, mutilated, north aisle

Description

A sepulchre in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh. A jagged, pointed arch creates a recess in the wall, which stands empty. Below the tomb are the tops of chairs.

Artist / maker

Ross, Thomas

Date

1890

Size

16.5 x 21.5 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The Easter Sepulchre was a feature of many medieval churches and was used on Maundy Monday, Good Friday and Easter Day. Usually found in the north wall of churches, the crucifix and other sacred items were placed in these recesses to commemorate the death and resurrection of Christ.

St Giles Kirk, often called St Giles Cathedral, is situated on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. A church has stood on the site since around 1120-1140, but little remains of the 12th century structure. St Giles played an important part in the Scottish Protestant Reformation with John Knox serving as its minister from 1560 until his death in 1572. The building has experienced significant additions, alterations and restorations during its history. The Thistle Chapel, a private chapel for the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, was added between 1909-11.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Stone carvings

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Protestant churches

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