Rosslyn Chapel

            Detail of the Apprentise Pilllar,  Rosslyn Chapel, Rosslyn, Co. East Lothian

Famous for its unique gothic architecture, and its close connections with the Knights Templar & the Holy Grail, recently captured in Dan Brown's bestseller the Da Vinci Code, Rosslyn Chapel is both fascinating and singularly beautiful.

Rosslyn Chapel

Built in 1446 by William St Clair, the architecture of Rosslyn Chapel is steeped in symbolism of many variations, from biblical, to pagan, and masonic. Every nook and cranny contains some intricately carved figuerines and adornments including the famous 'Green Man', ugly impish pagan figures depicting the forces of nature and imagery of strange plants believed to originate in the Americas.

Stainedglass window and interiors

The formation of Rosslyn Chapel was heavilly invested into by the Knights Templar and is a location synonomous with them and the many myths and legends surrounding them. They are credited with establishing the first global banking systems as nobles would store treasures from the crusades with them at rates of interest. Of the legends involving Rosslyn Chapel are that a group of the Knights including William St Clair discovered America Centuries before Columbus and that deep in the chapels sealed catocombs lies the Holy Grail. The Knights Templar would later evolve into Freemasonry and Rosslyn Chapel houses the famous apprentice pillar.

The title of earl of Rosslyn has been handed down through the St Clair Erskine family for generations unbroken from William St Clair to this day. Despite the history of the area the Chapel hasn't been damaged through battle but has been worn through time and today (and for much of the near future) Rosslyn Chapel is covered by an artificial roof. This giant umbrella is in place to preseve Rosslyn Chapel designed to protect it from the frequent rain and allow the stone work to dry out. Though it mars any wide photo opportunites of the Chapel, the scaffolding leading along the top of the chapel does allow a closer look at the elaborate structure of its roof.