The medieval art and architecture of Scottish collegiate churches

Abstract

Collegiate churches were founded for two essential aims: the augmentation of divine worship, and the salvation of souls. This thesis brings to light just how important material and aesthetic enrichments were in regards to these functions. The vast majority of collegiate churches in Scotland were substantially augmented around the time of their foundation. Patrons undertook significant building programmes and provided a variety of furnishings and ornaments to facilitate and enrich the services their body of clergy performed. Precise statutes were laid down in order to ensure that clergy were skilled singers and organists. Many founders also made provision for their burial within their collegiate churches so that they could garner the maximum spiritual benefit from the organisations that they had founded.

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first in-depth account of the art and architecture of Scottish medieval colleges. This thesis looks closely at the architecture, furnishings, rituals, music, imagery, and commemorative functions of the forty-nine collegiate churches founded in Scotland. A close concentration on this institutional form has meant that buildings, artworks, and practices which have hitherto not received significant scholarly attention have been carefully scrutinised. Furthermore, by looking at so many aspects of collegiate churches, the present study enriches an understanding of these institutions by providing a more holistic picture of their functions and significance. Ultimately this thesis examines why physical and aesthetic enrichment went hand in hand with the founding of a college, and what role this material culture had in regards to how collegiate churches functioned.