effect, with the square battlemented tower rising boldly above the
buttressed chancel and transept. The windows are all pointed and filled
with simple tracery, and the buttresses are of simple but good design,
having a broad water table on top, and no pinnacles.
The windows are each set in a rectangular recess, which, although a
novelty, cannot be said to to be an improvement. It is in keeping with
the square forms of the Renaissance then being introduced. The arches
and jambs have triple splays. The doorway in the south transept is a
little more ornamental. The arch is round, as very usual in Scotland,
and there are two recessed arches, the inner one moulded and the outer
having enriched caps (Fig. 1280).
The tower contains a room on the first floor with a fireplace, and over
it is the belfry.
It is understood that the ancient roof was of oak, and that the timbers
in the chancel were gilt and emblazoned, doubtless with the arms of the
Flemings, who were buried there.
The interior (Fig. 1281) has been greatly remodelled, but the principal
arches at the crossing are preserved. The roof being of timber, the
arches
[Illustration: FIG. 1281.--Biggar Collegiate Church. Interior, looking
East.]
of the transepts are carried well up, and the windows are also of good
size, so that the church is well lighted, and forms, in this respect, a
striking contrast to Ladykirk and similar vaulted structures.
After the Reformation the offices and emoluments passed into the hands
of laymen.