Saturday, July 13, 2013

The Cathedral and Necropolis

A long day today that began in Glasgow, Scotland and ended in London, England. 

We started the day with a visit to Glasgow Cathedral. It was built in the 12th century and is the only Scottish cathedral to survive the Reformation intact.  The cathedral lost its stained glass windows, but was not greatly altered otherwise.

The cathedral is also called the High Kirk of Glasgow or St Kentigern's or St Mungo's Cathedral. St Mungo is the patron saint and founder of Glasgow.  The photo above shows his tomb and the lovely needlework which adorns it.

In fact the cathedral was full of lovely needlework - the tomb, alter, kneelers and chair cushions.

It was also full to the brim with the four emblems of St Mungo's miracles: the bird, the tree, the fish, and the bell. 

While most the stained glass windows are Victorian, so are even more recent.  This lovely blue window was commissioned for the Millenium.

The totally nude Adam and Eve stained glass window in the middle were quite the talk of the church!

I'm not very good with Bible stories, but I did recognize the Ark and dove. 

Unlike some larger cathedrals, St. Mungo's has a 'clean' feel inside.  It is not stuffed to the gills with memorials and statues.

The chair on the bottom row is the one Queen Elizabeth II uses when she is in Glasgow and visits the cathedral.

The Glasgow Necropolis is a 36 acre cemetery that sits high on a hill right next to the cathedral. The tallest monument (on the right of photo) is that of the fiery Reformation minister, John Knox. He and Mary Queen of Scots 'had words' as he did not think women were fit to rule (plus she was an untrustworthy Catholic to boot).

The Necropolis opened in 1833 and has 50,000 'residents'.  While most do not have a marker, the wealthy merchants of Glasgow had an unspoken competition to have the largest and most ornate memorial possible.


You can see some of their finer efforts here.


Obelisks and other classical bits and bots were very popular.

The urn motif, however, was by far the most popular.

The cathedral and Necropolis are in the very oldest part of Glasgow.  This is also where my Burnet and Stewart relatives lived - just down the hill on Sydney Street, Duke Street, and Parkhouse Lane.  While most do not have a memorial of any sort, this one branch of the Stewart family does!

After walking around a very small part of the Necropolis, we returned to Glasgow Central and caught a train to Edinburgh.  From Edinburgh we 'trained' south to London and arrived about 8:00pm.  It took us over an hour to get 'home' to our apartment because of weekend Underground disruptions on the Northern line.  I was hot, and sticky and grumpy as we stood in front of our apartment door searching for the key which had come off of the fob during our Scottish Expedition!  Before I could have a total meltdown, we found it.  A shower, a bowl of soup and I was if not a new person, certainly a happier and more comfortable one!   





14 comments:

Giovanna said...

Great shots again - enjoyed those of the Necropolis in particular, because I'm a morbid graveyard junkie :-) Glad you found your key...

Margaret said...

Lovely tour! Glad you are back in London safe and sound.

yuiopo said...

Hi my name is Laurie. I have never posted a comment on a blog before so patience may be required. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed your travels this summer. The pictures are amazing and your comments on history, flowers and birds are so intelligent and thoughtful. I am writing because I wasn't sure you knew about the special needlework exhibit at the Burrell. Since your still in Glasgow you might want to see it. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful travel adventure
Laurie

Barb said...

Another magnificent church! The windows are amazing. Nothing worse than a problem when you are hot and tired!

Annette-California said...

Incredible tours you took and a very long day for you and your mom. Spectacular photos, loved the churchs and all the stained glass windows. So happy you found the key:) I'm amazed at all the walking you both have been doing everyday. Beautiful post. love Annette

cucki said...

Wow so beautiful ...I love old graveyards so much.
Big hugs x

Vickie said...

Wow! The blue stained glass is stunning! Not sure about the totally nude Adam and Eve to be honest.
Those monuments are really something.

Mary said...

I must say Adam and Eve must create a stir.... do you know the date on those windows. Amazing what a shower and food can do ...Loved the Scotland trip. what next?

Pam in IL said...

Another great post. Lovely church pics.

Melissa said...

Glad you found your key fob and got back to your London 'home ok!

Mouse said...

wow thats a lot of folks in the dead centre of Glasgow ..... loved the monuments there and the Church does look lovely too .. not sure about that new window either ..lol
glad you got home safely and are more human now ... love mouse xxxxx

Chris said...

Wow. Gorgeous cathedral and very interesting graveyard. Sorry that travels back to London were a little dicey.

Melanie said...

Glad to see you made it back 'home' safe and sound. Sounds like the train systems are wilting in the summer heat.

So Adam was a ginger? That's something you don't see everyday. lol (Though it makes sense seeing as there are quite a number of redheads in that particular area of the cathedral.)

Maggee said...

Catching up... The needlework was fantastic! And I liked the picture in the top right of the St. Mungo emblems. And of course, loving the cemeteries and stones!! How cool that you actually found a family stone! That is legible! Hugs!