Keills Chapel
Keills Chapel is a small chapel located in the west Highlands, Scotland, near the village of Tayvallich, Knapdale.[1]
The chapel dates from the 11th century and is in the care of Historic Scotland[2] as is Kilmory Knap Chapel on the opposite shore of Loch Sween. It is open at all reasonable times and there is no entrance charge.
Keills Chapel
[edit | edit source]The name originates from the word keeill, meaning chapel. The re-roofed structure contains an important collection of early stone sculpture, including six early Christian cross-slabs, around forty late medieval grave slabs recovered from the chapel or churchyard, and a Celtic cross which previously stood outside the chapel where a modern blank replacement now stands.[3] The original has been moved inside the chapel to protect it from the elements.
Keills Cross
[edit | edit source]The complete and well-preserved late 8th-early 9th century cross[2] is carved from local grey-green epidiorite. It is only decorated on one face, the sides and back being dressed smooth without further decoration. Its proportions are unusual, with very short side-arms broader than the shaft and upper limb. The latter shows the archangel St. Michael standing over a serpent (a symbol of triumph over the devil). The lower limb shows Christ on the Judgement Seat. He is holding a book, possibly the Bible or New Testament, symbolising mercy, in his left hand, and a flail in his right, symbolising judgement. There is a circular design at the crossing, with three round objects in the centre, which may symbolise the Holy Trinity. Around this are four animals representing the four evangelists.
Images
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A view from the graveyard
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Inside Keills Chapel
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Keills Chapel Cross
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Grave slabs in Keills Chapel
References
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External links
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