 |
One sheet vintage
British Railways travel poster promoting Elgin Cathedral in north-east Scotland. Originally designed by the artist Jack Merriott in the 1950s, the poster was part of the "See Scotland by Train" campaign to encourage travel along the Aberdeen-to-Inverness line.
Historic "Lantern of the North"
Elgin Cathedral is a historic ruin dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It earned the nickname "Lantern of the North" due to its magnificent appearance and large windows that once glowed like a beacon across the Moray landscape.
Foundation: Established in 1224 on land granted by King Alexander II.
Destruction: It suffered significant damage over centuries, most notably being burned in 1390 by Alexander Stewart, the "Wolf of Badenoch," during a dispute with the Bishop of Moray.
Decline: After the Scottish Reformation in 1560, the cathedral was abandoned. Its lead roof was removed in 1567 to fund the army, leading to rapid decay, and the central tower finally collapsed in 1711.
Visiting Today
While the cathedral is no longer a place of worship, it is a popular visitor attraction managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Key Sights: Visitors can see the remarkably complete 13th-century west front, the octagonal chapter house with its intricate stone carvings, and a 9th-century Pictish cross-slab.
Experience: You can climb the spiral stairs of the north-west tower for panoramic views of the town of Elgin.
Nearby: Just across from the ruins is the Elgin Biblical Garden, a quiet space featuring plants mentioned in the Bible. |
|
|
