The Magdalen Chapel

The Magdalen Chapel The Chapel was founded by Michael Macquhane who came to Edinburgh in the late 1400's. He identified himself with the Trade and Craft Guilds of that time and became identified with the Incorporation of Hammermen. The Incorporation of Hammermen, which comprised 22 different crafts and professions, had a small Aisle in St. Giles Cathedral, but with the growth of the Incorporation this was becoming too small for them.

The Magdalen Chapel

Michael MacQuhane then planned to build a new Chapel which would serve bother as a religious Chapel and a Guidhall for the Hammermen. He was able by various means to establish a foundation of funds to proceed with the building, but he died before seeing his Chapel built. He left £700 Scots to his wife Janet Rynd to complete the project. She added a further £2000 Scots (approx. £215 sterling) and by 1541 the Chapel was built and by 1547 a little hospital or almshouse was also complete for the housing of seven elderly men.

The Chapel was a Roman Catholic Chapel, in fact that last to be built in Edinburgh prior to the Reformation. All this work done by both Michael Macquhane and Janet Rynd as a means that they would gain merit and eternal life.

The Chapel is regarded as 'a hidden gem' of the Old City of Edinburgh sited as it is under the shadow of George lV Bridge. It has many wonderful features as the shown by the images and pictures. There is also a very rich pageant of history which emerges in every century of its existence.

The Crest of the Magdalen Chapel The Stained Glass Windows of the Chapel The Brods of the Magdalen Chapel The Brods of the Magdalen Chapel The restored Chair of the Chapel The Chair in front of the Brods

Click on the above images to see larger versions.

In 1992/93 a major restoration programme was undertaken (costing £305,000.) and following this it became the headquarters of the Scottish Reformation Society. This has transformed the situation of the Chapel in many respects, not least in the number of visitors. Prior to the restoration the annual total of visitors was about 400. In 2001 that number rose to over 6000. Regular Services are held in the Chapel, which are open to all who wish to attend.

Following the 150th Anniversary of the Scottish Reformation Society in 2001, it was decided the has a lasting reminder of this event by using two of the rooms as a REFORMATION RESOURCE AND RESEARCH CENTRE. These rooms will house the Library; Computing equipment, copiers and scanners as well as the connection to the Internet.