Oak Carvings in The Chapel
Here is an example of one of twelve extraordinary oak carvings to be found in the Traquair Chapel.
These twelve panels represent the Life of Christ from the Angelical Salutation to Our Blessed Lady to the Resurrection.
The panels have an interesting history as they are thought to be Flemish from around 1530 but found their way to the Chapel of Mary of Guise in Leith which was built in the 1480’s but was dedicated to her in the mid 1500’s during the time of James V and is where she chose to worship.
Later, they were white washed so as to protect them during the times of religious persecution and were then purchased by the 5th Earl of Traquair for £10.00 in the mid 1700’s. Originally kept hidden in the Priest’s Room they were moved to the “new” Chapel in 1862 when they were restored to their original natural wood.
The carvings demonstrate superb craftsmanship and the characters are extremely expressive. This carving shows the Angels appearing to the shepherds with tidings of His birth.