E1. SIGN TWB

There is no mistaking our next destination! The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The current version of the Order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland (James II of England and Ireland) who asserted that he was reviving an earlier Order. The Order consists of the Sovereign and sixteen Knights and Ladies, as well as certain ‘extra’ knights (members of the British Royal Family and foreign monarchs). The Sovereign alone grants membership of the Order; he or she is not advised by the Government, as occurs with most other Orders. The Order’s primary emblem is the thistle, the national flower of Scotland. The motto is ‘Nemo me impune lacessit’ (Latin for ‘No one provokes me with impunity’).         INDEX

E2. FIRST VIEW GM

We enter the Thistle Chapel near the Northwest corner, and look along its length to the East. The Chapel is stunning with great colour and detail, and executed by top craftsmen. [Photo Credit: Rodrigo A. Santovena]

E3. EAST WINDOWS LM

These windows at the East end were installed in 1909. The designer was Louis David (1860-1941) who was born in Oxfordshire. The central window depicts St Andrew with his cross, and with his fishing net. At bottom is the Rampant Lion of Scotland. The Motto of the Order of the Thistle is below.

E4. EASTERN ALTAR LM

Below the window is a detailed carved wooden canopy. Below this the wall comprises a carved panel and cross, and below this again is a simple altar. Carved into the front panel of the altar is the well known image of 'The Lamb with Banner’ (a Scottish banner!).

E5. NORTH WALL WC

The side and back walls of the Chapel are lined with canopied seating for the Knights, and on the wall above each stall is a set of colourful coats of arms. [Photo Credit: Remi Mathis]

E6. UPPER NORTH WALL LM

Above each Knight’s seat is a sword and a spire with a sculpted coronet and helm and the crest of the incumbent Knight. Whenever a Knight dies and another Knight is appointed in his/her place, the deceased Knight’s crest is replaced with that of their successor.

E7. NORTHWEST CORNER WC

We look back at the entry door to the Chapel in the Northwest corner. [Photo Credit: Remi Mathis]

E8. WEST VIEW WC

There are five more similar stalls across the West end of the Chapel, and further stalls along the South wall. Most of the windows are almost out of sight, but we can see the high West window. [Photo Credit: Remi Mathis]

E9. WESTERN CRESTS SGC LM

The high West window depicts the Scottish coat of arms, and this appears again below in greater detail on a panel at floor level.

E10. VAULTING LM

And above is this very ornate vaulting with a great number of detailed bosses. Visiting this Chapel brings us to a most interesting conclusion of our tour of St Giles Cathedral.