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Walking on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, a distinctive crown steeple is easily discernible in the skyline…St. Giles’ Cathedral.
The cathedral, dedicated to Saint Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh, cripples and lepers, is the principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland and is easy to find a little more than halfway down the Royal Mile. Known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, the church dates back to the 14th century, though extensively restored during the 19th century.
Anxious to visit St. Giles, I had planned to stop in during the middle of the day, however, realizing that I had forgotten my SD card for my camera caused me to lose precious time during the daylight hours while running back to my hotel. With it being wintertime and the sun setting so early in the afternoon, it was dark when I finally entered the imposing structure.
Always having been awed by the architecture on the outside, I was equally impressed as I walked through the doors. With soaring ceilings, arches and pulpits, the interior was quite breathtaking.
Paying the £2 photography fee so that I could take pictures during my visit, I was a bit disappointed that it was so dark outside, which lent to the dark feeling throughout. Another disappointment with the lack of exterior light was that the amazing stained glass windows that the church is known for and designed by the likes of Edward Burne-Jones, could not be seen displaying their beautiful colors and depictions.
What could be seen, however, are the four massive central pillars, said to date back to 1124 and the Thistle Chapel, an impressive chapel designed by Robert Lorimar and built to honor the Order of the Thistle, the great order of chivalry. The chapel contains stalls for sixteen knights, the Sovereign’s stall and two Royal stalls. With much to absorb, you will be enthralled for hours inspecting the religious and heraldic details, especially the carvings of the angels with bagpipes.
There are many monuments and memorials located in St. Giles, including those dedicated to Scottish regiments and individuals who perished during wars and campaigns, Scottish Military Nurses during WWI, lawyers, doctors, writers and poets including a bronze memorial to Robert Louis Stevenson. Other memorials include those to James Graham, Marquis of Montrose and his arch enemy, Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyll.
Interesting to check out is the statue of John Knox, the preacher of the Scottish Reformation in 1560. Knox was the minister of St. Giles’ until his death in 1572 when he was buried in the churchyard. His grave was paved over and the area became known as Parliament Square. A six foot tall, bronze statue was erected and once stood over the site of his burial in Parliament Square, but was eventually moved back into the church when it was determined that the statue was being damaged by the weather. An engraved stone set in the pavement is now the only marker for his gravesite in the square.
St. Giles is an impressive and historic church located in the heart of Edinburgh. Though I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to St. Giles, I do think that a return visit is in the cards for a future trip to Edinburgh…during the daylight hours!
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St. Giles Cathedral
- http://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/
- Address: Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
- Sunday Mass Schedule: 0800 (Holy Communion in the Holy Cross Aisle), 1000 (Choir, Sermon, Holy Communion), 1100 (Choir, Sermon), 1800 (Program of Music), 2000 (Holy Communion on last Sunday of the month).
- Weekday Mass Schedule: 0800 (Holy Communion on Wednesday and Friday mornings), 1200 (Daily service, Monday-Saturday)