Whether you are visiting Glasgow for the first time or you’ve lived here for a long time, you probably have wondered how old is glasgow cathedral. The fact is that it is one of the oldest church buildings in the world. Here is a look at the building’s history.
earliest significant parts of glasgow cathedral
In the earliest days, Glasgow Cathedral was a place of pilgrimage. St Mungo, the first bishop of an ancient British kingdom, was buried in the city. The tomb was the focal point of Christian worship until the Scottish Reformation.
As early as the 12th century, a large stone cathedral was built on the site. The cathedral was consecrated by King David in 1136.
The first stone church was built on high ground above a steep western bank of the Molendinar Burn. Construction continued for many years. Some archaeological excavations have revealed architectural fragments of the first stone cathedral.
earliest significant stained glass windows
Glasgow Cathedral is one of Scotland’s most historic and magnificent medieval buildings. It was built on the site of St Mungo’s burying place and became the centre of Christian pilgrimage. The cathedral survived the Reformation and has survived intact to this day.
A new stained glass window was unveiled in 1999 on the north wall of the nave. This window, which was funded by three schools in Glasgow, is based on the theme of growth. It features several shades of blue, and is designed to match other windows in the Cathedral.
earliest parts of the rood screen
Rood screens have a long history in the English Church. There is some evidence to suggest that they were first erected in the 13th century. They were a type of medieval church screen that was used in England until the end of the 18th century. In most cases, the screen was carved from stone and usually featured latticework. The rood screen, or rood cross, was surmounted by a large figure of Christ, and often the saints.
earliest significant parts of the lower church
The Lower Church of Glasgow Cathedral was built during the 12th and early 13th centuries. This is one of the oldest buildings in Glasgow and it is still used for worship. It was a place of pilgrimage during the medieval period.
It is built on the site where Saint Mungo was buried in the mid-1200s. He was the first bishop of the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde. His tomb is at the eastern end of the cathedral.
earliest significant parts of the central tower
The earliest significant parts of the central tower of Glasgow cathedral were erected in the late 13th century. Most of the current building is from the 15th century.
One of the most impressive features is the crypt. It is unsurpassed in its peculiar style. It contains forty small windows. They may represent the seven deadly sins.
Another notable feature is the Millennium Window. This was commissioned by three schools and unveiled by HRH Princess Anne in 1999.
earliest significant parts of the Blackadder Aisle
Glasgow Cathedral is a magnificent building, one of the finest religious buildings in the world. It is located in the old medieval section of the city on the banks of the River Clyde.
It has a fascinating history. The first stone church was dedicated by King David I in 1136. The original timber spire and Blackadder Aisle were not completed in the present form until the 15th century.
It was constructed in four or five campaigns. In 1197, Bishop Jocelin consecrated the new building. The cathedral survived the 1560 Reformation virtually intact.
earliest significant parts of the crypt
In August 1301, during the First War of Scottish Independence, Edward I of England made offerings at St Mungo’s tomb. Glasgow Cathedral was consecrated in this time.
The Cathedral is the oldest building in Glasgow. Construction on the current building started around the 13th century and continued for a number of centuries. Although it is a Gothic style cathedral, the interior is impressive and awe inspiring.
There are many connections to the city’s history throughout the ages. It may have been the first Christian church in Glasgow, and its legend of St Mungo, the founder of the city, was an important influence on the development of the church.
earliest significant parts of the rood screen
The rood screen is a relic of the ancient church. It is a whitewashed stone partition built above the choir of a church. This was an early form of altar screen, but most of the early screens did not have lofts.
Rood screens became a common feature of medieval cathedrals and monastic churches. They were also found in many parish churches in England and Wales. However, most screens in the United Kingdom have been destroyed. In many cases, their rood beams and sculptures have been removed and are now incorporated into the chancel screens in new churches.
earliest significant parts of the Barochan Cross
Barochan Cross was originally located on the hillside near Houston. It is more than 900 years old and one of the few intact crosses from the kingdom of Strathclyde.
The first surviving parts of the cross are the three main elements. These include a ring that is not pierced, a horn that blows and a figure in the middle that holds an axe and blows a trumpet.
The curved, sculpted design of the Barochan Cross is quite unique. Its design would have been familiar to early medieval travelers as it incorporates martial imagery.