St. Giles-Katie Zogelman

On today’s excursion in Edinburgh, our group visited St. Giles Cathedral located along the Royal Mile. The church is named in honor of St. Giles. Saint Giles was a hermit from France who, according to legend, was pierced with an arrow while protecting an animal from a hunter. I personally am very interested in the topic of religion and the history that surrounds it. Being able to have a guided tour proved to be a very good learning experience, which I enjoyed very much. The architecture was beautiful and honestly quite breathtaking. Having being built so many years ago just added to the awe and reverence of the experience. However, St. Giles has gone through restorations and has changed throughout the years, which was explained and outlined by our tour guide.

The history behind St. Giles holds many key factors that have helped influence what it has become today. Just a few of the key figures that were introduced were Thomas Aikenhead, John Knox, Saint Giles, and Jenny Geddes. Each of these people played an important role throughout the journey of the transformation of St. Giles Cathedral. Along with the roles of these individuals, we also studied some of the legendary stories that accompanied them. Many of the events surrounding the development of St. Giles Cathedral also play a key role in Scotland’s history as well.

From our reading the night prior to touring St. Giles, we had learned some information regarding Thomas Aikenhead. For me, the story of this young man’s journey was an eye opening and surprising moment in history. After making a joke, “I wish I were in the place Ezra called hell, to warm myself there,” while passing by St. Giles Cathedral in 1696, the 19-year old Aikenhead soon regretted it. At this time, church and state were not separate so what he said regarding religion was handled very seriously. Aikenhead was taken away and had to await his punishment. There were several people who felt Thomas Aikenhead should not be punished too severely. However, the conclusion of Thomas Aikenhead’s punishment resulted in death. I found this story saddening but realize that it is an example of why now church and state are separate.

John Knox was a very important influence on the St. Giles Cathedral and its followers. Many factors changed dramatically when the reformation and leading by John Knox occurred. During this reformation, John Knox and his followers stripped the church of its Catholic trappings, painted the walls white, and made the interior much plainer. Our tour guide added a little story about this when she was explaining this concept. She said that not long ago a woman had told her that John Knox would turn over in his grave if he saw that candles were being lit in the Cathedral. This helped me to grasp the extremeness of this reformation led by John Knox. This was a major turning point in Scotland regarding its religion.

In addition, Jenny Geddes also seems to be legendary within St. Giles Cathedral. In 1637, there was a rebellion in St. Giles opposing the imposition by the King in London of a new prayer book. Jenny Geddes threw her stool at the minister in objection to using this prayer book. Today, in the Cathedral there is a stool on display shown for remembrance of this occasion. It is interesting to see and learn about who will stand up for their beliefs and to what extent they will fight for them.

A few of the landmarks in St. Giles Cathedral were specifically intriguing. The stained glass windows were very beautiful and I found it amazing that each and every one, some newer than others, were all hand painted, original, and depicted a special meaning. The Thistle Chapel, also located within St. Giles, was unique and interesting. I loved seeing the hand crafted walls and ceilings and also the angel playing the bag pipe. So much of St. Giles’ architecture holds a special meaning, and if able to spend more time there, I am sure I would learn many more interesting historical facts.

Although I know that I found this excursion very interesting, I do think the majority of the others did as well. I don’t think it really made a difference if we were a religious individual or not; a place this exquisite is impressive. I am hoping to make it to a service there tomorrow morning which I am sure will be super interesting. So far, although only being here in Edinburgh for a few days, I feel as though I already know much more than I had previously about Scotland. I am anxiously awaiting the rest of our trip and learning more about the Scottish Culture.