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Directly behind and overlooking Glasgow Cathedral rises the grassy mound known as the Necropolis. Conceived in the early 19th century as Glasgow’s counterpart to Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, it became the burial place for the city’s rich and famous.
The monument to John Knox (1514-72) standing at the summit predates the establishment of the Necropolis by a few years. The monument’s foundation was laid in 1825 in what was then known as Fir Park. In 1831, the park was formally converted into a cemetery.
(As always, click on photos for larger views.)
The 12-foot John Knox statue, placed atop a 58-foot Doric sandstone column, shows the great reformer wearing a Geneva gown and holding a Bible in his right hand.
Interestingly, and perhaps surprisingly, this was the first statue of John Knox to be erected in Scotland and the building of it created enormous public interest. Knox was not buried below this memorial, but under what is now an Edinburgh car park!
That car park is behind St Giles’ Cathedral.
The next photo was taken with optical zoom.
The inscription at the base of the column reads:
"The Reformation produced a revolution in the sentiments of mankind, the greatest, as well as the most beneficial that has happened since the publication of Christianity."
In 1547 and in the city where his friend George Wishart had suffered, John Knox, surrounded with dangers, first preached the doctrines of the Reformation. In 1553 on the 24th of August, the Parliament of Scotland adopted the Confession of Faith presented by the Reformed Ministers, and declared Popery to be no longer the religion of this kingdom.
John Knox became then a Minister of Edinburgh, where he continued to his death the incorruptible guardian of our best interests.
"I can take God to witness, he declared, that I never preached in contempt of any man—and Wise men will consider, that a true friend cannot flatter: especially in a case that involves the salvation of the bodies and souls, not of a few persons, but of a whole Realm."
When laid in the grave, the Regent said, "There lieth he who never feared the face of man, who was often threatened with dag and dagger, yet hath ended his days in peace and honour."
Many of the graves, monuments, and mausoleums on the Necropolis are now neglected and dilapidated, imparting a Gothic and Romantic atmosphere. For many Glaswegians, the Necropolis seems to have become a city park. On the day we visited, people were strolling up and down the winding pathways, some were lying on the grass enjoying the sunshine, others were picnicking among the headstones.
The summit affords wonderful views of the city.
The website of the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis contains a wealth of information.
Links to all my blog posts about British churches and Christian sites can be accessed through the box located at the top of the page.
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