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The
Building of the Cathedral
The cathedral we now see at Dunkeld is almost entirely a late
medieval building. We know a great deal about its construction,
partly from surviving heraldry, but mainly from references in
an account of the lives of its bishops which was written in
1555 by Abbot Alexander Myln of Cambuskenneth Abbey near Stirling.
Myln had been dean of the Angus part of the diocese from 1505
to 1514, and was official of the diocese from 1513 to about
1519. He became one of the leading figures in the Church of
his day, and in 1532 was chosen as first president of Scotland’s
new college of justice. But he clearly retained fond memories
of his connection with Dunkeld Cathedral, and was particularly
devoted to the memory of Bishop George Brown (1483-1515).
Myln tells us that the eastern limb was built by Bishop William
Sinclair (1309—37), who employed Master Robert the mason
for this purpose. But, although some of this work may indeed
have been Sinclair’s contribution, it is clear that parts
of the lower walls of the eastern limb - and possibly much of
the upper walls as well - are of the mid and later thirteenth
century and thus predated Sinclair. This suggests that, for
the earliest work, Myln may not be entirely reliable, although
this is perhaps hardly surprising when we remember that he was
writing at a distance of more than two centuries after the construction
of the oldest surviving parts. For the later work, however,
much of what he says is supported by other evidence, and is
generally acceptable.
The nave was started in 1406 by Bishop Robert Cardeny (1398-1437)
and was continued by Bishops Donald Macnachtan (1437) and John
Ralston (1447—52). It was eventually completed by Bishop
Thomas Lauder (1452—75), who consecrated it for worship
in 1464. Lauder also built the south porch, started work on
the chapter house in 1457, and began construction of the tower
in 1467. Lauder placed his coat of arms on the upper walls of
the nave above the porch, on the chapter house, and on the lower
stage of the tower. The tower was presumably finished by Bishop
James Livingston (1475-83), whose arms were placed near its
top.
Myln also tells us a great deal about who fitted up the various
parts of the building and provided the sumptuous furnishings
which were the backdrop to the worship.
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To Dunkeld Cathedral
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