Robin Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Robin Chapel |
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| Thistle Trust | |
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| 55°55′54″N 3°07′54″W / 55.93167°N 3.13167°W | |
| Location | Edinburgh EH16 4EA |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Inter-denominational |
| Churchmanship | Ecumenical |
| Membership | open to all |
| Website | www.robinchapel.org.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Private Chapel |
| Founded | 1950, with the motto, 'at spes non fracta mens mihi regnum'. |
| Founder(s) | Sir Francis Tudsbery & Lady Isabella Tudsbery |
| Dedication | In memory of their only son Robin |
| Dedicated | 1953 |
| Consecrated | 1953 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | in use |
| Heritage designation | Category A listed, Historic Environment Scotland |
| Architect(s) | John F Matthew FRIBA |
| Architectural type | Arts and Crafts style |
| Groundbreaking | 1950 |
| Completed | 1953 |
The Robin Chapel is a special Christian place of worship in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is known for being ecumenical, meaning it welcomes people from all different Christian groups. The chapel was built to remember Lieutenant Robin Tudsbery, who was killed in the final days of World War II. It stands within the grounds of the Thistle Foundation, a place that helps people with disabilities.
Contents
History of the Robin Chapel
Founding the Thistle Foundation
The Thistle Foundation is a charity that started in 1944. It was created by Sir Francis and Lady Isabella Tudsbery. Their goal was to provide homes and care for soldiers who were disabled during the war. They also helped the soldiers' families. Today, the charity offers many services to people with disabilities and health conditions. It has another location in Renfrew.
Building the Chapel
In 1950, the first stone for the chapel was laid. Sir Francis and Lady Isabella Tudsbery built the chapel to honor their only son, Robin. Robin was a 25-year-old lieutenant in the Royal Horse Guards. He died during the last days of World War II. The chapel was finished in 1953. It was officially opened with Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret present.
A Place for Unity
The Robin Chapel is important for two main reasons. First, it is a war memorial that remembers those who served. Second, it was a new idea for a place of worship that brought different Christian groups together. Its purpose is to "further the spirit of unity and concord among Christian people." This idea is also shared in a statement at the start of their services:
'The Robin Chapel is dedicated to the glory of God, and to His service, by all Christians and by all denominations of Christ's Church. Every Service held within the Robin Chapel shall be open accordingly to all Christians of any denomination.'
Design and Art of the Chapel
Architectural Style
The chapel was designed by John F Matthew. He was part of the architectural firm Lorimer & Matthew. The building is in the Scottish Arts and Crafts style. This style focuses on traditional craftsmanship.
Beautiful Interior Details
Many skilled artists and craftspeople worked on the chapel's inside. Sadie McLellan created the beautiful stained glass windows. These windows show scenes from The Pilgrim's Progress, a famous book by John Bunyan. The words above the chapel's entrance also come from this book: "Come In, Come In, Eternal Glory Thou Shalt Win".
The chapel also has oak wood panels and choir stalls. These feature carvings of animals and birds. These carvings remind visitors of Robin Tudsbery's love for animals. They also show his fondness for the countryside around his family home in West Lothian. Thomas Good, a talented carver, created many of these detailed works.
Worship and Special Events
Regular Services
The Robin Chapel holds weekly services called Choral Evensong. These services take place at 4pm. Special services are also held to remember important events in Robin Tudsbery's life. Everyone is welcome to attend these services.
Music and Preachers
The Chapel Choir, made up of adult voices, sings at the weekly services. They are led by the director of music and play on the organ. Because the chapel is ecumenical, clergy from many different Christian groups are often invited to preach.
Royal Visits and Special Occasions
Her Majesty The Queen visited the chapel in July 2013. She attended the sixtieth anniversary service of the chapel's dedication. Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, joined her. On October 4, 2015, a special service was held. During this service, The Sovereign's Standard of The Blues and Royals was placed in The Robin Chapel.
See also
- List of Category A listed buildings in Edinburgh
- List of post-war Category A listed buildings in Scotland
