The Legend of Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel is a 30 minute bus ride from downtown Edinburgh.  We actually were driving in the country with sheep, horses, lots of farm land and we found ourselves closer to the mountains.

Roslin is a very small sleepy hamlet.  There are many hiking trails around the town and the chapel that we would like to explore on another visit.

Following a path, with a stone wall fence covered with green moss, I am recalling the book and movie, 'The Da Vinci Code.'  His book explains one of the legends of the chapel.  Some call it fiction....even Dan Brown...but it does give food for thought.

Dan Brown book has helped bring many tourists to this place to experience the power, and see for themselves, this beautiful Chapel of legends and myths.

There are many great mysteries surrounding this church.

One, in 'The Da Vinci Code' is that it was the final resting place of the Holy Grail hidden in this church.  Carried by the Knight's Templar to Scotland.  The Holy Grail is very sacred to Christians throughout the world.  Believed to be a cup or dish that Jesus used at The Last Supper it is said to have miraculous powers.  Dan Brown writes in his novel that the Holy Grail is actually Christ's bloodline, a descendant of his, or even Mary Magdalene? His wife?

See the movie or read the book before you visit this chapel.

This chapel was built in 1456 by Sir William St. Clair, 1st Earl of Caithness.

(The last name has been spelled different ways...Sinclair, Sainteclaire, Saintclair)

He felt blessed in his life and wanted to give something back.  

Interesting tidbit:  There is also myth or legend that says that Sir William St. Clair had in his possession a piece of the 'Holy Rood' or 'True Cross.'  A piece of the crucifixion cross that Jesus was nailed to and died on?

The chapel was built of sand stone which for almost 700 years has absorbed the wet climate of Scotland.  For at least 3 centuries it was left for ruins and was covered with green moss inside and out.  It has been going through an extensive renovation and conservation.  It is expected to cost about 13 million sterling pounds.

Interesting note:  Tom Hanks made a very generous donation to the project.

Many writers and poets, painters and photographers have made a pilgrimage to this chapel and have been enthralled with it.

Such as poets Robbie Burns, Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth.

Sir Walter Scott was inspired to penned a haunting poem 'The Lay of the Last Minstrel' 1805 after his visit to the chapel.

Another legend is that the heart of Robert the Bruce is buried in the chapel.  He was in fact related to the St. Clair family.  A small sand stone sculpture of his face is carved in the church's easternmost part of the church??

There are many graves outside of the chapel.  The name St. Clair supposedly is the name of the blood line of descendants from Jesus Christ?

This sentence is chiselled into one of the archway in the Rosslyn Chapel heading down towards the crypt.

"Wine is strong.  The King is stronger.  Women are stronger still;  but truth conquers all."

Hmmmmmm......

A volunteer at the church,(no photos allowed), explained the history of Rosslyn Chapel from it's beginnings.  Also pointing out the interesting specifics and incredible architecture as well as other beautiful aspects of this chapel.  She talked about the legends and myths that surround this church, but never actually said they weren't true?  Believe what you will was her final answer.

There is believed to be special powers within this church.  Standing in the centre of the church, on a slab of sand stone, right under what is called the 'keystone' on the ceiling, I closed my eyes and felt a coolness move up from the floor through my body.  As well I got goose bumps and a chill in the crypt.  My belief is my own.....and I felt something there.  I am kind of that way inclined already.

"Don't feed the gargoyles Debbie!"

Beautiful, vast landscape only 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Edinburgh.

Gorgeous.

A fantastic day for Deb and I.

Oh....did I mention that one of the other mysteries of Rosslyn Chapel is that the tomb of Merlin is buried beneath it?  Dragons carved into the walls can be seen throughout the chapel?

I guess that is another story.................