Overview

The glorious fifteenth-century Rosslyn Chapel is one of Scotland's most extraordinary architectural masterpieces. Founded by Sir William St Clair, third Prince of Orkney, and inspired by the great Gothic cathedrals he had seen in France, the chapel has remained in the ownership of the St Clair family for over 550 years. Built entirely in stone, its many carvings include Christian imagery, representations of the pagan Green Man and the earliest recorded stone carving of the medieval Dance of Death, the 'Danse Macabre'. Rosslyn Chapel also looks into the myths and legends associated with the building and the family, who have been connected at various points in history to mysterious groups, such as the Knights Templar and the Freemasons. The authors explore the fascinating and intertwined histories of the St Clair family and their chapel. They focus on more than the building's ancient past, noting the impact of Hollywood and the chapel's newfound publicity after it was shot as a location in The da Vinci Code, as well as the recent major conservation project it has undergone. Beautifully illustrated with new and specially-commissioned photography, Rosslyn Chapel will be the ultimate souvenir of a visit, and essential reading for those who wish to explore this intriguing Chapel further. AUTHOR: Peter St Clair-Erskine, 7th Earl of Rosslyn, inherited Rosslyn Chapel on his succession to the earldom in 1977. He is also a former commander in the Metropolitan Police. Together with his wife, art historian Helen Rosslyn, he established the Rosslyn Chapel Trust in 1996 to oversee a major and ongoing programme of restoration. SELLING POINTS: • A fascinating history written from the uniquely informed perspective of the Chapel's current custodians, the Earl and Countess of Rosslyn • Superbly illustrated throughout with new, specially-commissioned photography • The perfect souvenir for visitors, and also fascinating to those interested in Scottish history or religious architecture 160 colour

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9781785510489

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This volume is a worthy contribution to the significant body of work on Rosslyn chapel, not least because of the ability of the authors to infuse the text with a personal touch that draws the reader into Rosslyn's story, and leave us with an overwhelming desire to visit the site and help - in some small way - to preserve it. The inclusion of numerous beautiful photographs revealing the magnificent carvings for which Rosslyn is so famed makes the book a must-have, while the attractive layout and quality of the text ensures that this will become a staple book in many a collection. - History Scotland

Author Information

Peter St Clair-Erskine, 7th Earl of Rosslyn, inherited Rosslyn Chapel on his succession to the earldom in 1977. He is also a former commander in the Metropolitan Police. Together with his wife, art historian Helen Rosslyn, he established the Rosslyn Chapel Trust in 1996 to oversee a major and ongoing program of restoration.

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