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A visit to Rosslyn Chapel

When I was planning my visit to Edinburgh I knew Rosslyn Chapel would definitely be on my "to do" list.  Not for any religious reason that's for sure but well, we've all heard about the book and movie "The DaVinci Code" right?  It got me intrigued about this place that has such mystery associated with it.   Of course, it also helped that the chapel sported my surname! 

There are many half-day tours to Rosslyn Chapel but I decided I was going to do it myself.  It was an easy trip south on the #37 bus, was cheaper than a tour and gave me more flexibility. As per usual I got there way too early for my booked time. All visits had to be booked ahead online at a specific time.  So I snooped a bit around the town which is spelled Roslin as well as wandering into the nearby cemetery.  There was actually no possibility of getting into the chapel earier as there was a funeral going on.  I had tried to get a booking for noon but it wasn't available.  Now I knew why. 



Sir Walter Scott spent summers here. 

I tried cleaning off the signs as best I could with wet wipes but there are limits.  

The name of the town, Roslin was derived from the words Ros which is celtic for meadow and celyn meaning holly.  Roslin is also known as the place where the world's first cloned sheep, Dolly was created.  Here she is!!!  She hangs out in the National Museum of Scotland in central Edinburgh - the museum is definitely worth a visit.  It's free but donations are always welcome. 


Rosslyn (which is the ancient spelling) Chapel was founded in 1446 by William St Clair the third (and final) King of Orkney.  The chapel book 40 years to build and if you could see the inside you would believe it.  Click here (and turn up the volume) for a 360° view.  There is so much more detail to see when you are actually in the chapel though - amazing!!!  The Green Man is a feature throughout with many sculptures - just fascinating.  My one regret is not buying the guidebook because I didn't want to carry it around.  I may have to rectify that.  Back to the history....during the Reformation, the Chapel was abandoned and fell into disrepair.  Cromwell's troops attacked nearby Rosslyn Castle and stabled their horses inside the chapel. Work was done in the mid-19th century and the chapel was re-opened in 1862 with weekly services taking place.  Conservation projects have taken place since then to preserve the beautiful stonework for future generations to enjoy.  

However, as I mentioned I got there early so I had a bit of a wander.  After a snoop around the cemetery (nothing exciting to report) I headed off into a lovely wooded area.  











It still wasn't my time slot so I asked if I could visit the cafe and gift shop and they were amiable about it.  So I sat and enjoyed a lovely view while having my tea and one Rosslyn Chapel shortbread biscuit.  There were some better goodies believe me but it was the beginning of my trip and oh I was going to be such a good girl with my food....that soon changed...


The cafe has a small seating area but I snagged a table with a beautiful view.  The area behind Rosslyn Chapel is called Roslin Glen which has the largest surviving stretch of ancient woodland in Midlothian.  There are trails however they were too steep for me to consider when I was just finishing up the first week of a three-month trip!  

Finally, the 2 p.m. people were called and there it was...




This monument marks the burial place of the 4th Earl of Rosslyn.  



These are four of the apostles I believe but don't ask me which ones or who they are!  (it's been a loooong time since Sunday school!!) 



As stunning as the outside of the building is, what I loved the most were the gargoyles and small carvings.  The free brochure was excellent and highlighted some of the outside carvings as well as the numerous ones inside.  


The brochure mentioned to look for a camel.  So I did and found it. Not sure why a camel in Scotland but all part of the mystery, right? 


Gargoyle! 


Hmm...what's this one about?  


Mother and child? 


This one was mentioned in the brochure - a farmwife saving a goose from a hungry fox.  Okay..


Definitely a real pissed-off gargoyle! 


A musician!  


I can't resist a pretty door.  This was beside the visitor centre. 


Nor can I resist a pretty window.  

Unfortunately, there is no photography allowed in the chapel. 

The ruins of Rosslyn Castle are nearby so before heading back to Edinburgh I walked over to view them.  Not much is left.  This was the ancestral home of the St Clair family and dates back to 1304.  





There was a staircase to view more of the remaining foundations of the castle but it looked kind of scary and by this point I was pretty tired so I decided not to chance it. 


The path to and from the castle was lovely though. 

That was my visit to Rosslyn Chapel. I hope you enjoyed it.  I definitely recommend a visit here if you are in Edinburgh. Booking online ahead of time is essential right now, it is easily accessible by a pleasant ride on public transport and if you are organized you can do it in half a day.  











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