The sedilia in the south wall near the east end (Figs. 1103 and 1104) is
a very beautiful one, and is fairly well preserved. It contains the
usual three seats indicated by three ogee crocketed arch-heads. These
arches rest on carved capitals at each end (Fig. 1105), and the
intermediate ones on corbels supported by angels, one holding a shield,
and the other playing on a voil. The sedilia is recessed about 13
inches, and is 6 feet 6¾ inches long (see Fig. 1103) by about 5 feet 3
inches high from the seat to the springing of the arches. Between the
sedilia and the east wall and below the sill of the window there has
been a piscina, which has been cut away, and its position is merely
indicated against the wall, as shown in Fig. 1103. It appears to have
been supported by a shaft from the floor. Adjoining this, in the east
wall, is seen (see Fig. 1104) a projecting corbel with a shield on the
face. This was probably meant either to support a light or a figure in
connection with the altar.
[Illustration: FIG. 1103.--The Collegiate Church of Dunglass. Sedilia
and South Window in Choir.]
In the sacristy there are on the side walls four consecration crosses at
the points marked on the Plan.
There is a diversity of opinion as to the name of the founder and the
date of the founding of the Church of Dunglass. According to Nisbet[89]
it was founded by “Sir Thomas Home, in the reign of Robert III.”
(1390-1406). He married Nicola or Nicolas Pepdie, who brought him the
[Illustration: FIG. 1104.--The Collegiate Church of Dunglass. Sedilia
and South Window of Choir.]
lordship of Dunglass, and their arms (Fig. 1106), which adjoin the north
transept window, Nisbet says are impaled, viz., the lion for Home, and
the “three birds called papingoes, relative to the name of Pepdie.” In
Keith’s _Catalogue_ and by Spottiswoode we are told that the Collegiate
Church of Dunglass was founded in the year 1450 by Sir Alexander Home of
that Ilk. Chalmers, in the _Caledonia_, Vol. II. p. 512, says it was
founded by Sir Alexander Home of Home in 1403. He was the son of Sir
Thomas and Nicolas Pepdie. Sir James Hall, in a letter written in 1789
(see Hutton Collection), finds from examination, evidently of original
documents in his possession, that it was founded by Sir Alexander in
1403. Dr. Laing also adopts this date as correct.[90] Perhaps, as above
suggested, the choir and tower may have been built in 1403, while the
nave was not erected till after 1450.
[Illustration: FIG. 1105.
The Collegiate Church of Dunglass.