Glasgow Cathedral,
Cathedral Square,
Late 12thC and later.
Various Architects.

Glasgow Cathedral dates mainly from the 13thC with many later additions by numerous architects.

There are five major components to the Cathedral, the Nave (through which you enter), the Choir, the Upper and Lower Chapter Houses, the Lower Church and the Blackadder Aisle.

A view looking towards the Cathedral from the north east across the graveyard. The west front (foreground left) , was very much altered in the 19thC. To the right hidden by trees, is the Blackadder Aisle.

The west doorway dates from the 13thC and remained untouched by the extensive works carried out to the west front during the 19thC.

The Choir is in the east portion of the Cathedral, formed between a north and south arcaded aisle with clerestory above. On the east gable are four tall lancet windows above the ambulatory. The timber roof is barrel vaulted and patterned with ribs and elaborate bossing. This roof was replaced between 1910 and 1912 and rises 22.5m (74ft) above the floor level.

The Blackadder Aisle is a late 15thC addition, the white paint finish providing a contrast to the relative gloom of the rest of the cathedral. It is four bays deep with a central row of columns supporting the vaulted roof. On the bosses between the ribbing of the roof are a number of carvings, some representing decorative leaves, others portraits of figures.

The Nave is on the west side of the Cathedral crossing. Here, the roof used to be plastered but is now restored to expose the beams and rafters. The stained glass in the Great West Window is titled "The Creation", designed by Francis Spear and completed in 1958."