DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.61904#0175
ELGIN CATHEDRAL. I 63
and the prefent remains juftify the character which it attained
of being the fineft fpecimen of ecclefiaftical architecture in the
kingdom, Melrofe not excepted. It exceeds that admired
fabric in extent, in altitude, in general magnificence, and in
richnefs of decoration. The remains of it at the prefent day
are beheld by flrangers with equal wonder and pleafure.
This fine cathedral, like nearly all in Scotland, fell, not by
time, but by the fierce and bigoted fpirit in which the refor-
mation was introduced. In 1568, the privy council authorifed
the Earl of Huntley, the fheriff of Aberdeen, to flrip the
cathedral churches of Aberdeen and Elgin of their lead, and
to fell it for the maintenance of the troops of the regent
Murray. It is a curious fact that this plunder, like the lead
(tripped from the caflle of Conway in Wales, was not deftined
to benefit the fpoilers. As that was loft with the (hip which
was conveying it to Ireland, fo this had fcarcely left the harbour
of Aberdeen for Holland, where it was to be fold, when the
fhip went down with it. The cathedral of Elgin, thus expofed
to the elements, went gradually to decay, and in 1711 the great
central tower fell.
Wordfworth fpeaking of fuch rude and felfifh deftruCtion of
ancient churches from a probably juft refentment againft the
evils and oppreffions of a corrupted faith, fays :—
“ As when a ftorm hath ceafed, the birds regain
Their cheerfulnefs, and bufily retrim
Their nefts, or chant a gratulating hymn,
To the blue ether and befpangled plain j
Even fo, in many a reconftrufted fane,
Have the furvivors of this ftorm renewed
Their holy rites with vocal gratitude :
And folemn ceremonials they ordain
To celebrate their great deliverance;
Moft feelingly inftrudted ’mid their fear,
and the prefent remains juftify the character which it attained
of being the fineft fpecimen of ecclefiaftical architecture in the
kingdom, Melrofe not excepted. It exceeds that admired
fabric in extent, in altitude, in general magnificence, and in
richnefs of decoration. The remains of it at the prefent day
are beheld by flrangers with equal wonder and pleafure.
This fine cathedral, like nearly all in Scotland, fell, not by
time, but by the fierce and bigoted fpirit in which the refor-
mation was introduced. In 1568, the privy council authorifed
the Earl of Huntley, the fheriff of Aberdeen, to flrip the
cathedral churches of Aberdeen and Elgin of their lead, and
to fell it for the maintenance of the troops of the regent
Murray. It is a curious fact that this plunder, like the lead
(tripped from the caflle of Conway in Wales, was not deftined
to benefit the fpoilers. As that was loft with the (hip which
was conveying it to Ireland, fo this had fcarcely left the harbour
of Aberdeen for Holland, where it was to be fold, when the
fhip went down with it. The cathedral of Elgin, thus expofed
to the elements, went gradually to decay, and in 1711 the great
central tower fell.
Wordfworth fpeaking of fuch rude and felfifh deftruCtion of
ancient churches from a probably juft refentment againft the
evils and oppreffions of a corrupted faith, fays :—
“ As when a ftorm hath ceafed, the birds regain
Their cheerfulnefs, and bufily retrim
Their nefts, or chant a gratulating hymn,
To the blue ether and befpangled plain j
Even fo, in many a reconftrufted fane,
Have the furvivors of this ftorm renewed
Their holy rites with vocal gratitude :
And folemn ceremonials they ordain
To celebrate their great deliverance;
Moft feelingly inftrudted ’mid their fear,