Elgin Cathedral

Category

Library Item

Item no

3860

Title

Elgin Cathedral

Description

The ruins of Elgin Cathedral with an ornate carved arched doorway. Two men are standing to either side of the doorway and one is sitting on the ground wearing a light coloured hat. Gravestones can be seen in the foreground.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1850

Size

11.2 x 16.8 cm

Type

Salted paper print

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Elgin Cathedral is located in Elgin, Moray, roughly 35 miles north-east of Inverness. The first church was built on the site in the early 13th century. It was rebuilt and extended in the latter half of that century following a fire. Sadly this reconstruction was not to last much more than a hundred years. In the late 14th century the Bishop of Moray became embroiled in a bitter dispute with the fearsome Alexander Stewart, otherwise known as the Wolf of Badenoch. This dispute culminated in 1390 with Stewart's excommunication. He responded by burning much of Elgin, including the cathedral, as well as nearby Forres. Further reconstruction took place in the 15th and 16th centuries, but following the Reformation in 1560 the cathedral was largely abandoned. Its progressive structural decline was only addressed in the nineteenth century, and since then much preservation work has taken place. The site is now managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

People > Adults > Men

Places > Scotland > Moray

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

Religion > Religious facilities > Graveyards

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