I noticed a small shop down the street which looked to be open; we went inside to check it out and to inquire about a cash machine. Turns out there was a cash machine just down the block, too bad it was out of order. We entered the local Co-op store, and the employees informed us of a Sainsbury's store not too far away. Once there, we got our cash and headed back to Rosslyn Chapel, which was opening very soon, at 0930. I was getting very excited!
Rosslyn Chapel
I have been wanting to enter this edifice for many many years. I never thought the day would come, and now here we were at last...
This Chapel is a stunning example of medieval architecture, as well as an extensive collection of stonemason's art. The interior of the chapel is said to hold many secrets within the carvings, secrets of the universe, of man's history, and of ancient events which can only be deciphered by the initiated eye. The chapel was and still is a meeting place for Knights Templars and Freemasons. The history of this chapel suggests the Freemasons originated through the Templars. If you've seen the movie Angels and Demons, or read the Da Vinci Code, you have some idea of the mysteries of Rosslyn.
1492, Columbus discovered America, maybe for himself and the crew that is. This is a relative statement, mainly because in Rosslyn Chapel there are many sculptures and decorations of North American plants. The Chapel began construction in 1446, and it is suggested that the Templars and/or Henry St. Clair journeyed to the Americas nearly 100 years before Columbus. History of the Micmac Indians mention travelers from the east during that same period... hmm...
There are sculptures within from the Occult, Pagan, Norse, Celtic, Christian, and possibly Islamic belief systems, and thousands of references to plants, animals and celestial bodies. Some say this chapel was not designed simply as a Christian church - rather a book of sacred knowledge and geometry written in stone.
The Green Man - This little guy is everywhere in the Chapel. These are carvings of human faces with greenery all around them, often growing out of their mouths. They are commonly thought to be a symbol of renewal and fertility, pre-Christian in origin. In Rosslyn they are found in all areas of the chapel, with one excellent example in the Lady Chapel, between the two middle altars of the east wall. The green men in Rosslyn symbolize the months of the year in progression from East to West in the Chapel. Young faces are seen in the East symbolizing Spring and as we progress towards the setting sun in the West, the carvings age as in the autumn of man's years. There are in excess of 110 carvings of green men in and around the Chapel.
The ceiling of the Chapel is 40-feet from the floor, and there is a cavity below the floor at equal distance. This crypt is where all the fuss comes from. Whats down there? The St.Clairs claim it contains the tombs of family members. Others say that any of the following items could be down there: The Dead Sea Scrolls, The Holy Grail, The Ark of the Covenant, tomb of Mary Magdalene, Christs head, the record of Christ's bloodline (children), and artifacts from the Library of Alexandria Egypt before it met its demise, and the list goes on. If you read much about the Knights Templars, I'm guessing some of those things could be plausible. After all, the church ordered them all to be arrested in 1307, why? Was their knowledge dangerous to the Church? Did they possess items of great antiquity, which the Church wanted?, or want destroyed?, who knows. Your mind can wander all over the place about the Order.
These interior pics are from other sources, as photos were not permitted inside.
Ceiling consists of Daisy's, Lilly's, Rose's, Forget-me-knots, and Stars, the Sun, the Crescent Moon, and four Angels
This Pillar holds a special place in the hearts of Freemasons
The base has dragons, with what appears to be vines or ropes in it's mouth
The Masters Pillar
I love the detailed comment and wonderful photographic documentary of your blog... BRAVO
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