Medieval Monuments

Complementing all of the furnishings would have been many tombs and memorials, the more ambitious of which would have been the centrepiece of the chapels in which they were set. The earliest of the medieval monuments, which is now in the base of the tower, is of coped (double-pitched) shape, and may be as early as the twelfth century. It has decoration like roof slates or fish scales on one side, rather like on the earlier grave stones known as hog-backed. On the other side is a cross which would represent a later modification of the stone.

The earliest surviving effigy is thought to represent Bishop Sinclair (1309—37). This finely carved but headless figure, now set in the arcading on the north side of the presbytery, is shown in the vestments worn by a bishop when celebrating mass. Above a full length linen alb are the tunicle, dalmatic and chasuble, the originals of which would have been richly embroidered; beneath these the fringed ends of the stole appear. The hole in the effigy’s chest was probably cut to provide a support for a metal chalice. Sinclair was originally entombed in the middle of the steps leading up to the altar but was later moved to this position, presumably because his tomb was proving to be a nuisance.

The most imposing bishop’s tomb is that of Bishop Cardeny, who died in 1437. It is set beneath a canopy between the two windows of the chapel at the east end of the south aisle, in which he intended that prayers should be said for his soul until the end of time. On the chest of the tomb are four angels bearing shields, alternating with small figures, all of which are set below miniature architectural canopies.

A third effigy, which is now in the north­east corner of the presbytery area, commemorates Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan. He was a younger son of Robert II and died in 1405. He is shown as an awe inspiring figure in full armour, and it is not hard to imagine why he was known as the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’ for his acts of rapacious lawlessness, which included the burning of Elgin Cathedral in 1390. Along the sides of his tomb chest are armoured figures within niches. The inscription, which is still clear, although partly restored, proudly proclaims Buchan’s royal parentage.

One other medieval memorial deserving mention is an incised slab displayed in the base of the tower. It commemorates Canon Alexander Douglas, who held the income derived from the parsonage of the parish church of Moneydie. He is shown wearing mass vestments, with a hood over his head.

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