Glasgow Cathedral
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Glasgow Cathedral is a Church of Scotland cathedral in Glasgow. It is located just outside of the city centre beside Glasgow Royal Infirmary. The history of the cathedral is linked with that of the city, and is allegedly located where the patron saint of Glasgow, Saint Mungo, built his church. The tomb of the saint is in part of the church.
The cathedral is a superb example of gothic architecture. It is also one of the few Scottish medieval churches (and the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland) to have survived the Reformation unscathed. The 13th century tower is the last remaining intact tower in any Scottish medieval church.
Technically, it is not any longer a cathedral, since it has not been the seat of a bishop since the Reformation. However, unlike many disused and ruined cathedrals in Scotland, it is still a place of active Christian worship, hoasting a Church of Scotland congregation. The building itself is now in the ownership of Historic Scotland and is also a popular destination for tourists.
The other cathedrals in Glasgow are St. Andrew's Cathedral (Roman Catholic) and St. Mary's Cathedral (Scottish Episcopal).
The Great Bell
In the steeple of Glasgow is a great bell, which is twelve feet one inch in circumference, and has a grave and deep tone. In 1789, it was accidentally cracked by some persons who got admission to the steeple. It was, therefore, sent to London, and cast anew. On the outside of it is the following inscription:—
- In the year of grace
- 1594,
- Marcus Knox,
- a merchant of Glasgow,
- zealous for the interests of the reformed religion,
- caused me to be fabricated in Holland
- for the use of his fellow citizens in Glasgow,
- and placed me with solemnity
- in the tower of their cathedral.
- My function
- was to announce, by the impress on my bosom,
- (Me audito venias doctrinam sanctam ut discas;) [Come, that ye may learn holy doctrine.]
- and
- I was taught to proclaim the hours of unheeded time.
- 195 years had I sounded these awful warnings,
- when I was broken
- by the hands of inconsiderate and
- unskilful men.
- In the year 1790,
- I was cast into the furnace,
- refounded at London,
- and returned to my sacred vocation.
- Reader,
- thou also shall know a resurrection,
- may it be to eternal life.
See also
External links
- Official site of Glasgow Cathedral (http://www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk/)
- Photos of Glasgow Cathedral (http://www.freefoto.com/browse.jsp?id=1089-02-0)