The ecclesiastical architecture of Scotland from the earliest Christian times to the seventeenth century; vol. 3/3

SACRAMENT HOUSE, KINTORE, Aberdeenshire.

Reading edition

Another piece of sculpture (Fig. 1320) said to have been removed from the Church of Kinkell is preserved at the Church of Kintore. It was at one time built into the outer wall of the Church of Kintore, but it has now been removed for better preservation into the interior. It

Illustration from The ecclesiastical architecture of Scotland from the earliest Christian times to the seventeenth century; vol. 3/3

Fig. 1320.—Sacrament House, Kintore.

Old Monument built into Wall.

Fig. 1320.—Sacrament House, Kintore.

Old Monument built into Wall.

originally consisted of two parts, the lower portion containing the ambry for the reception of the sacramental elements, and the upper portion being enriched with a beautifully carved bas-relief, representing a monstrance of elaborate tabernacle work, supported by two angels, and crowned with a sculptured crucifix. The ambry is now wanting, except the lintel, which bears the words Jesus Maria. Over the lintel is a panel which no doubt formerly contained sculpture, now removed. The whole design is surrounded with a frame composed of a series of baluster shaped shafts, covered with flat foliage of a Renaissance character.

Whether this decorated work came from Kinkell or not, it evidently belongs to the period when that church was built, being of the latest Gothic design, which prevailed immediately before the Reformation.