St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles' Cathedral
Name	St Giles' Cathedral
Caption	The High Street façade
Denomination	Church of Scotland
Previous denomination	Catholic
Founded date	12th century
Dedication	Saint Giles
Heritage designation	Category A listed building
Architect	Various, including William Burn
Style	Gothic
Location	Edinburgh, Scotland
Coordinates	55.9495°N 3.1907°W

St Giles' Cathedral, often termed the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is a principal Presbyterian place of worship located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Its distinctive crown steeple is a dominant feature of the Old Town skyline. The building has served as a cathedral at various points in its history and remains a focal point for national religious and civic ceremonies.

History

The first church on the site was established in the 12th century, likely during the reign of David I, and was dedicated to Saint Giles, the patron saint of lepers. The original structure was destroyed by fire in 1385 during an invasion by the forces of Richard II. The present building's core dates from the subsequent reconstruction in the late 14th and 15th centuries. In 1559, following the Scottish Reformation, the church was converted for Protestant worship under the leadership of John Knox, who served as its minister. It was briefly elevated to cathedral status during the Episcopalian reign of Charles I, a move that provoked significant controversy and contributed to the events leading to the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

Architecture

The architecture is predominantly Late Gothic, with significant additions and alterations from the 19th century. The exterior is noted for its massive tower and iconic stone crown steeple, completed around 1500, which is a recognized symbol of the city. The interior is a large, columned nave with numerous side aisles and chapels. Major 19th-century restoration was undertaken by architects including William Burn and William Hay, who sought to restore its medieval character. Notable interior features include a wealth of stained glass windows from the Victorian era, a monumental organ case, and numerous memorials to figures such as Montrose and Argyll.

Thistle Chapel

A significant architectural addition is the Thistle Chapel, built between 1909 and 1911 to designs by Robert Lorimer. This small, richly decorated chapel is the ceremonial home of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's foremost order of chivalry. The chapel is a masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement, featuring intricate woodcarving, heraldic stalls for each knight, and a elaborate stone rib vault. The stall plates and banners of past knights, including figures like Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, line its walls, making it a unique repository of Scottish heraldic art.

Role in Scottish society

The kirk has long held a central place in the civic and national life of Scotland. It functions as the parish church of Edinburgh and has been the setting for numerous state occasions, including services for the Opening of the Scottish Parliament. Historically, it was a hotbed of religious and political debate during the Reformation and the subsequent Covenanter movement. The church continues to be a venue for national mourning and celebration, hosting memorial services for figures like Admiral Lord Cochrane and commemorations for events such as the Battle of Britain.

Music and worship

Music has been a cornerstone of worship for centuries, with a choral tradition dating back to its pre-Reformation choir. Today, the music program is led by a professional choirmaster and includes the renowned choir of St Giles', which regularly performs and records. The repertoire spans from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works, and the building hosts an annual concert series. The substantial pipe organ, rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison, supports both liturgical and concert use. Daily services follow the Presbyterian tradition of the Church of Scotland.

Notable events

The building has witnessed many pivotal moments in Scottish history. In 1637, the attempted introduction of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer led to the Jenny Geddes incident, a protest that helped spark the Bishops' Wars. In 1643, the Solemn League and Covenant was signed here, aligning the Scottish Covenanters with the English Parliament against Charles I. More recently, it was the location for the national service of thanksgiving following the 1997 devolution referendum. The lying-in-state of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 occurred at the nearby Palace of Holyroodhouse, with a service of thanksgiving held at the cathedral.

Category:Churches in Edinburgh Category:Category A listed buildings in Edinburgh Category:Church of Scotland churches in Edinburgh