The Bishop's of Moray rotated the Bishopric between Birnie, Kinneddar, and Spynie, finally selecting to build their Cathedral in Elgin.
Construction began in 1224 on land granted by King Alexander II.
Elgin Cathedral suffered from a succession of damaging fires. The first in 1270 saw the Cathedral rebuilt and enlarged. A second extensive fire in 1390 followed an attack by Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch. In 1402, the Cathedral was attacked and set on fire by followers of the Lord of the Isles.
In 1560, Elgin Cathedral was abandoned. In 1567, the lead waterproofing of the roof was removed which began a steady deterioration. In the winter of 1637, a storm brought down the roof of the eastern transept and in the spring of 1711, the central steeple collapsed bringing down the walls of the nave.
Elgin Cathedral was one of the most impressive and important structures in Medieval Scotland. What remains of Elgin today leaves the visitor with an awe inspiring vision of this once magnificent church.
The Bishop's of Moray rotated the Bishopric between Birnie, Kinneddar, and Spynie, finally selecting to build their Cathedral in Elgin. Construction began in 1224 on land granted by King Alexander II.
Elgin Cathedral suffered from a succession of damaging fires. The first in 1270 saw the Cathedral rebuilt and enlarged. A second extensive fire in 1390 followed an attack by Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch. In 1402, the Cathedral was attacked and set on fire by followers of the Lord of the Isles.
In 1560, Elgin Cathedral was abandoned. In 1567, the lead waterproofing of the roof was removed which began a steady deterioration. In the winter of 1637, a storm brought down the roof of the eastern transept and in the spring of 1711, the central steeple collapsed bringing down the walls of the nave.
Elgin Cathedral was one of the most impressive and important structures in Medieval Scotland. What remains of Elgin today leaves the visitor with an awe inspiring vision of this once magnificent church.
R&R Travel Photography