OS1/13/102/24

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 24

doubt then to the high altar in the church of St Regulus that Alexander l brought his " comely Steed of Araby saddled and bridled costly [--]" and caused with great pomp to be led round it on the occasion of his granting extensive lands and privileges to the church and here in all probability Ethelred Earl of Fife son of Malcolm lll was buried near the close of the eleventh century. In this ancient structure we may trace the rich origin of the form of cathedral churches, viz a nave and choir with a central tower. All that now remains is the tower and the chapel or choir to the east, but from the marks on the west side of the tower there is sufficient evidence of the fact of there having existed an anti-chapel or chancel serving the purpose of a nave. In corroboration of this several old impressions of seals attached to the city and college charters represent this anti-chapel with a smaller tower at its west end and both towers being surmounted with short spires. There was a large arched door which communicated between the chancel and eastern chapel or choir but which has now been built up. The chapel which remains is about 31 1/2 feet in length by 25 feet in breadth and has four windows, two on the north and two on the South. The largest arched door at the eastern end by which it is now entered was no doubt formerly a window; which gave light to the altar placed before it. The tower is a square of 28 feet at its base and is 100 feet in height. In 1789 it was repaired at the expense of the exchequer the top covered with lead and a winding stair built in the inside by which any one can ascend to the top from which there is an extensive view. The whole of this venerable structure which cannot be less than 700 years old is built of a very durable grey Sandstone"* etc, etc
* The ideal antiquity which has been ascribed to this chapel would make it about 1400 years old" see Leighton's Hist. [History] of Fife voll. [volume] lll [3] pp [pages] 22, 23 [continues]

Transcriber's notes

Continuation of Description for St Regulus Chapel and Tower