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TWT St Machars Cathedral

RPS TWT Sites of Religious Significance

St Machars Cathedral Kings College Chapel

Participants

Andy Bolsover, Andy Reader

David Drage, Graham Templeton

Ian Booth, Roger Hinton

Stephen Lynch

St Machars Cathedral was initially established in the 12th century but the current building dates from a century later. The building took approximately 250 years to complete in its current form. One of the most famous features is the flat, wooden heraldic ceiling that was erected in 1520. During the Reformation, catholic influences in the cathedral were destroyed and the building seriously damaged. However, the ceiling, along the papal coat of arms (Pope Leo X) was unaffected. Restoration of the building took place in the 19th century and stained-glass windows were installed. The building was again damaged by bombs in WWII and some of the stained-glass had to be replaced. The church is actively used for worship and as a musical venue.

Kings College Chapel was built at the behest of Bishop Elphinstone at the end of the 15th century, in parallel with the establishment the Kings College, University of Aberdeen. The functioning church only survived approx. 60 years before the Reformation started. However, although the chapel was targeted and all religious icons were removed and destroyed, the beautiful original wood panelling survived. For 300 years the building had various functions: Synod meetings, mason’s lodge, a store and library. Restoration in the middle of the 19th century enabled the chapel to return to its original function as the University church. As with St Machars, there is an active population using the chapel for religious services and it is also the venue for some musical events. Among the interesting features of this chapel is the display of heraldic symbols on the external walls, including those of King James IV, King of Scotland (1504).