Excavations at Glasgow Cathedral 1988 - 1997

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This volume describes the most extensive modern excavations undertaken at any Scottish cathedral. These investigations revealed traces of two 12th century cathedrals which preceded the present gothic structure. Too little was exposed of the first cathedral to allow it to be reconstructed with any confidence, but there was more evidence of the second cathedral which was begun in the late 12th century. Though never completed, this building was intended to house the translated remains of St Kentigern , and the recovery of a number of brightly painted stones allows us to appreciate the rich decoration of the cathedral interior for the first time. Medieval wall paintings from Scotland are rare, so these discoveries are of particular significance for the study of 12th century Scottish architecture.
Considerable evidence relating to the 13th and 14th century construction of the cathedral and its post-medieval remodelling has also been assembled. The report provides an historical context for the various periods of activity examined and acts as a powerful reminder of Scotland's lost ecclesiastical glory.