Dunblane
Map of this area

This town on the Allan Water, is grouped around its lovely 13C Gothic cathedral in its close setting, a rare feature in Scotland.

Dunblane Cathedral Web Site

Although Dunblane was already an ecclesiastical centre in Celtic times, it was David I who created the bishopric c 1150. The cathedral led a peaceful existence and numbered among its bishops. Clement (1233-58). the builder of the cathedral, and that rare ecclesiastic Robert Leighton (1611-84). an enlightened conciliator during the religious strife of the 17C. Leighton sorely regretted leaving Dunblane when translated to Glasgow c 1671. Despite 15C alterations, neglect following the Reformation, but no pillaging, and finally several 19C and 20C restorations, the cathedral is a fine example of 13C Gothic architecture. Adjoining the nave on the south side to the left of the entrance is a 12C tower which belonged to the early Celtic building. The upper storeys and parapet are later additions. Continue round to the west end overlooking the Allan Water where the masterful design of the west front combines a deeply recessed doorway with a tall triplet of lancets and Ruskin's small vesica (oval window) above, all framed by two buttresses.

Interior

This long building passes from nave to choir uninterrupted by transepts or crossing. The initial impressions are of simplicity, height and soaring lines (mostly achieved by the predominance of the pointed arch). Built after the Lady Chapel, the pointed arcades of the eight-bay nave descend onto clustered columns and are surmounted by a double clerestory where window tracery is repeated inside the gallery. This device is copied at the west end, where the great window shows the Tree of Jesse (1906). Below are two sets of the canopied 15C Chisholm stalls deeply and vigorously carved with a wealth of detail.

The misericords are of great interest. Like the nave. the wooden barrel-vaulted roof with tinctured armorials has also been restored (19C). Around the pulpit are carved figures of St Blane, who gave his name to the town. King David I. Bishops Clement and Leighton, and John Knox. while those on the screen depict Biblical personages. The glory of the building is the choir with its great height emphasised by soaring lancets in the south and east sides. Level with the high altar are the early-15C Ochiltree stalls, showing a similar verve of execution. The present stalls and organ case were designed by Robert Lorimer during his 1914 restoration of the choir. Three stone slabs in the floor mark the burial places of the Drummond sisters, allegedly poisoned in 1501 to prevent Margaret, the eldest, from becoming James IV's Queen in preference to Henry Vlll's sister. Margaret Tudor.

The effigy in the north wall tomb recess is said to be that of Clement, the builder bishop. The oldest part, the Lady Chapel opening off the north side of the choir, has ribbed vaulting with carved bosses. The memorial windows, panelling and flooring are all 20C.

Precincts

The peaceful air of former times remains. The Dean's House (1624) contains the cathedral museum 0 devoted to both town and cathedral. Of particular interest are the notes on the great Bishop Leighton, the three Bishop Chisholms. and a very good collection of communion tokens, the predecessors of today's cards. Within the manse grounds is a 1687 building, the home of Bishop Leighton's personal library. From the northeast corner there is a lovely view along the north side of the cathedral.

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