Source: “The Templars and the Grail: knights of the quest”, By Karen Ralls, Quest Books, Theosophical Publishing House, 2003.
7. Rosslyn Chapel - An Investigation in Stone.mp4
7. Rosslyn Chapel - Unearthing Ancient Mysteries, Hidden Symbolism, and Pre-Columbian Secrets.m4a
This comprehensive topic delves into the mysteries and historical significance of Rosslyn Chapel, an intricately carved medieval structure in Scotland. It explores the chapel's origins and construction under Sir William St. Clair, highlighting his meticulous oversight and the various chivalric orders he belonged to, dispelling common myths about Templar or Freemason connections. A significant portion of the text details the chapel's diverse and enigmatic carvings, including the numerous "Green Man" figures, the famous "Apprentice Pillar" with its associated legend, and the debated "Veil of Veronica" carving, suggesting possible alterations and deeper symbolic meanings. Furthermore, the source investigates Templar-related iconography found within the chapel and discusses the enduring legends of the Holy Grail being hidden there, alongside speculation about Scotland's lost crown jewels and the Holy Rood. Finally, it explores the controversial theory of Prince Henry Sinclair's pre-Columbian voyage to the New World, linking it to potential architectural and carved evidence, ultimately presenting Rosslyn Chapel as a profound "book in stone" conveying a universal wisdom tradition for posterity.
Topic 1: Rosslyn Chapel: A Unique Medieval Structure with Enduring Mysteries Rosslyn Chapel, officially known as the Collegiate Chapel of St. Matthew, is an intricately carved medieval stone chapel near Edinburgh, distinct in Europe. Its foundation stone was laid on St. Matthew's Day in 1446, and it continues to serve as an active Scottish Episcopal church situated on College Hill amidst Roslin Glen and near the Pentland Hills. The chapel is steeped in legend, with many believing it conceals profound secrets. Speculations abound regarding the treasures it might hold, including the Ark of the Covenant, the mummified head of Christ, the Holy Grail, lost scrolls from the Temple of Jerusalem, the Templar Order's treasures, Scotland's missing crown jewels, and a Black Madonna. While some remain skeptical, asserting that nothing can be confirmed until the vaults are excavated, the chapel’s history and the myths surrounding it are deeply intertwined.
Topic 2: The Founder, Sir William St. Clair, and the Chapel's Meticulous Construction The chapel was initially conceived as part of a much larger architectural complex, including a central tower. Its construction spanned forty years, concluding in 1486. Sir William St. Clair, the third and final St. Clair Prince of Orkney, personally directed the entire building process. His dedication was so profound that he meticulously inspected each carving in wood before permitting it to be transferred to stone, ensuring that every detail in Rosslyn Chapel was deliberate and intentional. Historical accounts from Walter Bower in 1447 commend Sir William for erecting an "elegant structure at Rosslyn," highlighting the significant effort and resources invested in its creation.
Topic 3: Father Richard Augustine Hay's Historical Contributions A key historical source on Rosslyn Chapel and the St. Clair family is the extensive work of Father Richard Augustine Hay, Canon of St. Genevieve in Paris and Prior of St. Piermont. In 1700, Father Hay completed a three-volume study, "A Genealogie of the Saintclaires of Rosslyn," parts of which were published in 1835. His research involved a thorough examination of the St. Clairs' historical records and charters. His timely efforts are particularly significant because the original documents subsequently disappeared, making his genealogie an invaluable record of the family and the chapel's early history, also noting Sir William's profound dedication to the building process.
Topic 4: Sir William St. Clair's Affiliation with Chivalric Orders Contrary to popular misconceptions, Sir William St. Clair was not a member of the Knights Templar or a Freemason. He lived in the fifteenth century, long after the Templar Order's official dissolution in 1312 and before the formal establishment of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717 or the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1736. However, Sir William was an esteemed member of two prominent chivalric orders: the Order of Santiago and the Order of the Golden Fleece, reflecting his connection to the knightly values and European aristocratic networks of his time.
Topic 5: The Order of the Golden Fleece: A Prestigious Knightly Institution The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded in Bruges in 1430 by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. It emerged as part of a "medieval Renaissance" that sought to revive elaborate knightly orders and promote chivalrous values and behavior, at a time when such orders were largely falling out of favor in other European courts. This order was considered perhaps the most prestigious Order of Knighthood in Europe during its time. It initially comprised a Grand Master and twenty-three knights, later expanding its membership. A worldwide Order of the Golden Fleece continues to exist today, divided into Spanish and Austrian branches.
Topic 6: The Order of Santiago and its Templar Connections Also known as "The Knights of Santiago" or the Order of the Cockle (Couquille St. Jaques), the Order of Santiago was a significant chivalric order founded in the 12th century with strong connections to the Knights Templar. During Sir William St. Clair's time, novices were required to spend six months aboard a ship. After the suppression of the Templars in 1307, many fugitive Templars found refuge and joined this particular order. A Scottish member's affiliation with this body suggested they had completed the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, a common practice for many Scots of that era. The Order of Santiago was closely linked to other orders like Alcantara and St. James and the Sword, spreading its influence across Europe and even into the Holy Land.
Topic 7: The Scallop Shell Emblem and Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage St. James is revered as the patron saint of pilgrims, and the cathedral of St. James at Santiago de Compostela is reputedly built over his relics, attracting numerous pilgrims even today. The scallop shell served as the emblem of St. James, which pilgrims traditionally brought back from Santiago as tangible proof of their arduous journey. It is even suggested that these scallop shells were incorporated into the mortar of Rosslyn Chapel during its construction, symbolizing a direct connection to this significant pilgrimage site and its spiritual patrons.
Topic 8: The Devastating Effects of the Reformation on Rosslyn Chapel The Reformation, which gained momentum in Scotland during the sixteenth century, had a destructive impact on Rosslyn Chapel. Despite the St. Clair family's continued adherence to Catholicism, the chapel's altars and furnishings were targeted as "idolatrous" and "Popish." In 1592, Oliver St. Clair was repeatedly ordered to demolish the altars and faced excommunication if he failed to comply. By August 31st of that year, the altars of Rosslyn were "haille demolishit," leading to the chapel's cessation as a place of prayer and its subsequent decline into disrepair.
Topic 9: Subsequent Damages and Restoration Efforts Rosslyn Chapel suffered further damage in the centuries following the Reformation. In 1650, Cromwell's troops, led by General Monck, attacked Rosslyn Castle and utilized the chapel as a stable for their horses. Later, on December 11, 1688, a Protestant mob from Edinburgh and local villagers pillaged and burned Rosslyn Castle, causing additional harm to the chapel. It remained abandoned until 1736, when, with encouragement from Sir John Clerk of Penicuik (a prominent Freemason), James St. Clair initiated repairs, including glazing the windows, repairing the roof, and relaying the floor with flagstones. This period of restoration coincided with the founding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in the very same year.