City Centre

On Thursday the 23rd, we drove back into the city to turn in our rental car. After that, we wandered around the city. We reached the Glasgow Cathedral mere minutes before it was supposed to close - but they let us in, and actually, some more people after us as well!

A large Christmas tree dwarfed by the huge arches within the cathedral

We were very lucky to happen upon the Provand's Lordship house being still open. This is the oldest house in Glasgow, it was built in 1471.

A figure dressed in the early style of the 15th century.

The fireplace with a wooden coat of arms - 16th Century I believe.

A similar panel in one of the other rooms

A lovely bit of stained glass tucked into a tiny window.

The house itself. This picture is from November, when we walked by the house on our fieldtrip, but didn't have time to go inside.

On our way back to the subway station, we wandered around George Square a little, to enjoy the lights and the Christmas jolliness - and the war memorial.

St Mary's Chapel

St Mary's Chapel was built in 1300, probably as a memorial to Lady Alice, first wife of Walter the Steward (the ancestor of the Stewart dynasty) and the style of her clothes fits within the period of 1270 and 1330. The second figure, that of a knight, is probably of Walter the Steward, and dates from 1380.

you can see the figure of the baby by her left arm.

Isle of Bute Museum

Some of the interesting things we saw in the Isle of Bute museum (which was right next to the castle).

Iron Age drop-spindle. Well, the spindle whorl is Iron Age. I'm guessing the wood and wool bits are rather more recent.

There is a story by Leslie Norris called "The Kingfisher" that I really love. So I took this picture of a kingfisher for that reason. 

Look at these gull chicks! Aren't they adorable?

gull chicks up close.

Rothesay Adventures

The last time I was in Rothesay it was June, and rather warm (my Glaswegian companions were finding the 70 degrees Fahrenheit too hot!). It was very beautiful to see it covered in snow. I did not have a repeat performance of the "wee black glasses" incident, but I think once was enough for that anyway!

We tramped around the ruined castle quite a bit, and visited the library and the museum, both of which were very interesting. We ended our excursion with a visit to St Mary's Chapel up the road a ways. It was a lovely day.

In transit - mother and I on the ferry.

Of course we visited 21 Russell Street, where our ancestors lived.

I am thinking, "Ah, ruins!"

The Chapel Royal within the castle.

A family tradition. When Heather and mother came to Rothesay 25 years ago a picture of mother  in the huge fireplace was taken. When I visited Rothesay 7 years ago, I had a similar picture taken. So, we did it again! 

Me too.

Mother in the courtyard of the castle.

Solstice Walk!

This was an event I was looking forward to so much! I was very afraid that the weather would turn nasty again, but luckily it did not. Mother and I drove to Kilmartin Glen - a beautiful, circuitous drive north west and then back south a ways. We arose early in the morning and met with other brave souls to wander around the sacred sites of Kilmartin to celebrate the solstice. I was so thrilled to have an opportunity to revisit this beautiful place. 

Mother contemplating the henge, Temple Wood.

One of the Standing Stones.

One of the trees at Temple wood.

A thrilling prop left in the chambered cairn by our guide.

Hebridean sheep. By the way those rams were making eyes at the group on the left, I expect there will be lambs soon!

Stirling up close

There were some beautiful carvings on the outsides of the castle.

A buxom beauty

I think this figure is a horse.

The Boar's Head in Hand Bear I

bedecked with bays and rosemary! (or, in this case bays and pine)

Another fascinating feature of Stirling was the kitchens. They had models of kitchen staff and some interesting displays. Then they had a demonstration of food of the era, such as marzipan chess sets and . . . a real boar's head!!!!

A cat gnawing at a piece of fish!

16th Century Ladies

Here were other ladies in waiting that were gliding gracefully about the great hall. Every woman had her dress made to fit from a costumier in London. I wish I could have one!!!!

Two beautiful gowns! The lady on the left reminded me a lot of the actress Jean Marsh.

I think this was my favorite of the gowns.

Mother's favorite gown.

How to dress a Medieval lady

This title might be a misnomer. I wanted to put "Tudor" originally, but thought it might be rude to put the English term "Tudor" over Mary de Guise, wife of the King of Scotland. But Tudor is a little late for Medieval. Oh well!

When mother and I drove up to Stirling, we were able to see a wonderful demonstration of the lady in waiting dressing the queen.

The underclothes: shift, stays, petticoat (with only a panel in front of the fabric that will show) and a 16th Century hoop skirt.

the lady in waiting assisting with the overdress.

affixing the under sleeve to cover the shift.

The queen is fully dressed! Sorry for the fuzziness of the picture.