Chapter House – Elgin Cathedral

34
Written by Scott K Marshall
The magnificent Chapter House of Elgin Cathedral "The Lantern of the North" - boy what I would have paid to see this in it's day - certainly prior to the sacking by the "Wolf of Badenoch" in 1390 where it was not simply a Cathedral but entire community nestled behind a huge curtain wall. The Chapter House which you see in the middle of the shot is the only completely intact part of the Cathedral. I have some shots of that room under editing. I had reccied this angle several weeks ago but the light was bland. Today spoiled us with some cracking late winter sunshine generating some fantastic shadows and offering real detail in the stonework. Anyway I am really pleased by the shot - I think it punches you with colour - enjoy
The magnificent Chapter House of Elgin Cathedral “The Lantern of the North” – boy what I would have paid to see this in it’s day – certainly prior to the sacking by the “Wolf of Badenoch” in 1390 when it was not simply a Cathedral but an entire community nestled behind a huge curtain wall. The Chapter House which you see in the middle of the shot is the only completely intact part of the Cathedral. I have some shots of that room under editing. I had reccied this angle several weeks ago but the light was bland. Today spoiled us with some cracking late winter sunshine generating some fantastic shadows and offering real detail in the stonework. Anyway I am really pleased by the shot – I think it punches you with colour – enjoy

34 Comments

    1. That is the reason I joined Historic Scotland so I could frequent these places as often as possible. Interestingly I have learnt quiet a bit regarding copyright in such places.

  9. That is really magnificent, Scott. As I recall, the inside of the Chapter House is rather splendid, I’m looking forward to seeing your shots in due course.

  10. That’s a fabulous shot of a wonderful building. Maybe that’s how it is shown at its best, in sunshine against a stormy sky. Very lovely and evocative. RH

  11. I remember Elgin Cathedral well…..the shadows also add weight to the location and the shadowy stories these ruins could tell. Ruins may not be as majestic as the original but are just as magical in their own right.

  13. Great shot and love the shadow’s effect. I was there 2 years ago and found it extremely difficult to photograph with any real feeling to the place, though I did get some inside the Chapter House.

    1. I think it works better in it’s own landscape to be honest Lee but the flood prevention scheme is restricting that type of shot tbh.

  17. It is definitely great architectural heritage. But time is not merciful. You have what you have. It there any ancient pictures or painting of that great cathedral?

    1. Yes Alexander it is well documented by Historic Scotland – you are correct the stone is sandstone which erodes quiet markedly – however considering it was torched by fire in 1390 it is doing okay – as always thanks for your comments

Comments are closed.