Mike's book delves into history of Rosslyn Chapel
A fascinating insight into the history of Rosslyn Chapel has been written by a former Midlothian college lecturer.
Mike Turnbull spent three years researching and writing "Rosslyn Chapel Revealed" — his 21st book.
Since its publication, he has just completed The Glasgow Graveyard Guide, a companion to his earlier Edinburgh Graveyard Guide.
Mike (67), who lives in Orchard Court, Longniddry, was approached by the publisher to write the historical account of one of Midlothian's most famous landmarks.
Holy corners
"I spent a lot of time at the chapel looking at it and taking photographs," he explained of his research.
"Some of the research I had done before.
"I had written a book called Edinburgh and Lothian's Holy Corners and was able to use some of the knowledge there such as Soutra."
His preparation also took him to the National Library where the papers of Fr Richard Augustine Hay are kept.
Scots College
Fr Hay wrote the Genealogie of the Sainteclaires of Rosslyn just before 1700 but it was not published until 1835.
Mike, who retired from lecturing at the Jewel and Esk Valley College in 1997, had earlier visited the Scots College in Paris where Fr Hay trained and studied.
His research also took him to St Nicholas Buccleuch Church, Newbattle Abbey College and Glasgow Cathedral.
He was also assisted in his research by the Roman Catholic Bishops, the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Rosslyn Chapel Trust as well as interviewing local historians and church leaders about the chapel.
Hidden gem
The Local Studies Centre in Loanhead also proved an invaluable resource.
"There are some fascinating facts.
"I feel Midlothian is a hidden gem.
"I don't think it is a good idea that we only have one temporary tourist information centre in Midlothian.
"I feel Midlothian deserves better," said Mike, who is a supply teacher in Midlothian high schools.
Attempt to bomb
The book, which is packed with illustrations and photos of the chapel and surrounding area, is a detailed account of the chapel's origins and the growth of the Sainteclaire family, who played an influential role in Scottish society from the 15th century.
The chapel was attacked in 1688 by an anti-Catholic mob and gradually fell into disrepair.
Restoration work did not begin until 1736 and there was much controversy over works carried out during the Victorian era.
The Suffragette movement failed in an attempt to bomb the church in 1914.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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