Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel is located in the charming village of Roslin, Midlothian in Scotland. It is a wonderful mix of rich history, religious significance, and stunning architecture. The chapel was formerly known as the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew and was built in the 15th century. It has captivated the attention of local and international visitors, particularly after it played a significant role in Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, “The Da Vinci Code.”
Table of Contents:
Architectural Splendour and Detailed Layout:
Rosslyn Chapel’s architectural grandeur unfolds through a meticulously planned layout. The floor plan encompasses a North and South entrance, Choir, North and South aisles, Lady chapel, Altar, Master Pillar, Apprentice Pillar, Sacristy, Baptistery, North and South transepts, and three pillars with historical significance – the Master Pillar, Journeyman Pillar, and Apprentice Pillar.
The construction, originally initiated in 1456, is considered a masterpiece of Scottish architecture. Despite uncertainties surrounding its founding date, Sir William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness from the Scoto-Norman Sinclair family, undertook the endeavour. The initial plan for a cruciform structure was left incomplete, with only the choir and retro-chapel materializing.
A Glimpse into the Historical Journey:
Rosslyn Chapel’s history commences in 1446, as Sir William St Clair envisioned it as a Catholic collegiate church. Its purpose was to uphold the Divine Office and perform Masses for the departed, sustained by Sinclair’s endowment. The winds of change blew after the Scottish Reformation in 1560, marking the end of Catholic worship. The chapel, however, found new life in 1861 under the auspices of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Turbulent times saw the chapel closed from the early 1700s to 1861, but a Victorian-era restoration breathed new life into its weathered stones. The chapel also withstood a suffragette bombing in 1914 during a tumultuous period of societal change.
The Da Vinci Code Connection and Global Popularity:
The spotlight truly shone on Rosslyn Chapel with the release of Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” in 2003. The novel’s characters unravelled mysteries leading them to the hallowed grounds of Rosslyn Chapel. The subsequent film adaptation in 2006, featuring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou, catapulted the chapel to international fame. Visitor numbers surged, peaking at over 176,000, providing crucial support for a major conservation initiative by the Rosslyn Chapel Trust.
St Clair Legacy and Global Community:
Founded by Sir William St Clair in 1446, Rosslyn Chapel is intrinsically linked to the St Clair family. A familial thread extending back to Rognvald ‘the Mighty’ in 835AD weaves a rich tapestry, connecting the family to King Malcolm Canmore’s land grant in Scotland. The chapel remains under the ownership of the St Clair family, fostering a global community of individuals bearing the St Clair or Sinclair surname.
In essence, Rosslyn Chapel stands not just as a physical structure but as a living testament to historical shifts, religious metamorphosis, and cultural heritage. As visitors traverse its intricate details, they embark on a transcendent journey through time, unravelling the enigmas that have captivated and mystified generations
Conclusion:
Rosslyn Chapel, with its resplendent architecture and storied history, is a timeless beacon that transcends the boundaries of time and space. From its humble beginnings in the 15th century to the modern-day influx of global enthusiasts sparked by literary and cinematic endeavours, the chapel remains a testament to the enduring allure of the past. As it continues to be preserved and cherished by the St Clair family, Rosslyn Chapel stands as a bridge between epochs, inviting all who encounter it to explore the mysteries it holds and savour the rich tapestry of Scottish heritage it embodies.