I find myself south of Edinburgh with time on my hands and end up walking back to the 15th century!

After dropping off my van for its service and MOT, I was stuck south of Edinburgh with little idea of what to do for a few hours. Then I remembered I was pretty close to one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere in the UK, a very famous place I'd never been to before! So join me as I set off in search of Rosslyn Chapel where there's a big treat in store when I'm invited back after hours to explore it all on my own! (Filming at the chapel is not normally permitted, so this was my chance to get a rare glimpse inside captured on camera for you to see exclusively here on my KZbin channel) :)
Hi, I’m Steve. I am a travel reviewer and post my trip reports here on KZbin. I pay for my own travel and produce my own videos. If you have any questions about my journeys or travel advice in general, please drop me a comment - I do read every single one. I’d also love to hear any recommendations you may have for future content, or why not challenge me to try something a little out of the ordinary! If you are looking to collaborate on any type of project, I’d love to hear from you - email me your ideas and hopefully we can work together in the future.
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/ stevemarsh
Filmed on location at Rosslyn Chapel on Thursday 20th January 2022.
Special thanks to Ian for inviting me back to film inside after hours.
Photo of William the Chapel Cat courtesy of Rosslyn Chapel Instagram.
Music Courtesy of epidemicsound.com
'Angeli' by Bonn Fields

[@williamwilliam5242]

I just can't get over this video I love that you got permission to film inside and be on your own made the video much betterness

[@steve-marsh]

It really was a privilege! :)

[@cathjollphotography]

The architecture inside Roslin Chapel is absolutely stunning. I've never seen anything as nice.

[@Alasdair-uo8zg]

And the outside too. I was last there 17 years ago and it was enveloped by scaffolding, and i'm slightly shocked by how beautiful the exterior is.

[@donnalowe9334]

What kind of MAGIC to see this at night! Are you a warlock man? lol! Who can do this? Amazed! Blessed to see it this way. Thank you so very much. Appreciated. Much love and thanks for the share...kust beautiful.

[@cynthiapate9138]

I was saddened to hear that William the cat has passed. I remember seeing him lying on a pew cushion and looking up at us as if to say “Welcome to my home....but don’t bother me. I’m napping in the sunshine.” Rosslyn Chapel is a special place. It feels warm and caring. I want to go back. Thank you for letting me see it again.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Cynthia, and by the way, what a life William had :)

[@bmaspen95]

Hi Steve, only you could turn a day getting van serviced into a brilliant day out full of relevant information, great video as always plus another place to visit.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Brian! :)

[@hughrainbird43]

This chapel is such a beautiful and unique building. What an inspiration to fill in a "spare" day with a visit, and what a coup to be able to film inside during the hours of darkness, which served to concentrate even more the atmosphere of this amazing place. Rosslyn has fascinated me since i first read about it many years ago as a then little-known location in one of Ian Rankin's "Rebus" novels. Later there was a TV programme in which the Countess described the extensive and complex restoration work that the chapel was then undergoing. This was before it gained worldwide fame through the "Da Vinci Code". A colleague at work, having been totally taken in by it, lent me the book to read during a boring night shift, but apart from anything else, I lost credibility in the story when it reached London, and I was unable to believe the hero's unfeasible ability to dash about between locations, catch taxis, etc. in the nick of time: It felt as if these chapters were written using an A-Z street guide, rather than from actual experience of the constant traffic gridlock which slows the average speed of most journeys in the city to little more than walking pace! I hope that your van passed its MOT, and we'll be treated to more of your fascinating adventures around the beauties of Scotland in the coming year!.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Hugh! It was a great day with a find like this and the van sailing through the MOT :)

[@susanyoung2427]

Heartbroken to learn about William’s passing. I spent a few minutes with him when I visited. I was missing my cats. Rosslyn is one of my favorite places in Scotland. It’s so beautiful and intricate. ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@steve-marsh]

Susan, he had such a wonderful, long life there :) But I was so sad never to have met him!

[@mstrdiver]

Susan - As did I when I visited. He was inside the chapel on a pew cushion and just soaking in the attention he received. He was a bit of a purring machine and seemed to animate the chapel's visit for me. Godspeed Mr. William. // Dia luath Mr. Uilleam.

[@James-oo1yq]

Why is nobody asking the important question? No, not the Holy Grail, did your van pass? 😁 Would love to see more of East Lothian, especially North Berwick Law and Bass Rock 👍🏼

[@ametrinemoon]

What I was thinking too actually!

[@steve-marsh]

My van did me proud! Made it an even BETTER day when I got the call from the garage :)

[@ozgirl45]

This was certainly a totally unexpected treat! Thanks, Steve. The chapel is both smaller yet more impressive than I expected. The amount of skilled workmanship in gothic buildings is mind boggling.

[@steve-marsh]

It really is Heather! And to be allowed to capture it on film was such a bonus!

[@18robsmith]

That was a treat and a half, with a bit of change on top 🙂

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Rob!

[@williamkettle8666]

Before the modern visitor centre and shop was built I found myself walking around Roslyn on my own and down in the crypt . I felt nothing but peace and serenity very moving experience .

[@steve-marsh]

That would have been wonderful!

[@robbojax2025]

A real pleasure to join you on this one 👍👍

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much :)

[@lydialen6881]

Great video Steve. Those marks on the stones in the crypt are probably mason's marks. Each stonemason had his own individual mark that he used on the stones that he carved or dressed so that he was paid by piece.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for the info Lydia! I hadn't even considered that!

[@lorrainehamilton5051]

The strange marks on the crypt walls are Stonemasons marks, Master Stonemasons had their own marks which they inscribed onto the blocks they carved, like a stamp or "signature." And RIP beautiful William xxx

[@steve-marsh]

Oh cheers for the info! And I was so sad I never got to meet William!

[@mmcbey1401]

I have a family connection with the chapel. My Grandfather was the guide back in the 1960's and he was presented to the Queen when she visited. Our family often visited the chapel, including for the midnight service on Christmas Eve, which was very special - all this long before it became famous.

[@mstrdiver]

A midnight Christmas church service in Rosslyn Chapel sounds absolutely magical. What a luscious family memory to have and hold.

[@FrankC321]

Nice shout out to Robert Burns on his Birthday! I hear 25th of January is a celebrated day in Scotland. I'm recalling when I was in community college, art appreciation class, there was a few weeks of study on older building architecture. Specific topics of knowing what particular shapes, curves, points were used in which era. Very amazing how the builders were able to create such detail so long ago and still standing proud. That sure is nice countryside. Cool clean air. Thanks for sharing, very nice video. Couple other shout outs to Robert Burns in the other comments. Cool!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Frank! You have some great knowledge there!

[@jackyyuen1939]

What a wonderful video about the Rosslyn Chapel. Thank you Steve for sharing.

[@KillilaghChurch12]

The earliest stain glass windows in Britain are around 7th cent. The marks on the wall were mason marks

[@molecatcher3383]

The circles with the flower pattern inside are called witch marks and are meant to keep them away. They are found in many old buildings, sometimes carved onto wooden items like doors. window frames or box-beds.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for the info!

[@MichaelJ_]

What an amazing chance you had to film inside. Thanks for bringing us along! 🎉 At one point, I will have to re-watch all of your videos from Scotland and compile a list of all the places I need to visit during my next trip…

[@katesterly547]

What a nice surprise. You can take me along on Journeys like that any old time you want. I don't know you well enough to know whether you would like the book or the movie but I did. Normally I'm more of a shooting, car chase movie type person but this one I really enjoyed so thank you again for taking us with you and thank whoever gave filming permission. Rosslyn Chapel is absolutely amazing. The tribute to the Rosslyn Chapel cat, William, at the end actually brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I am a cat person. Give Alicja a hello for me. Be well, stay safe, love from Texas.

[@steve-marsh]

William really did have the best life :) I'll be sure to watch the movie soon now!

[@brucie-of-bangor528]

A highly spiritual place my partner and I visited in 2003 when it was being restored. There was a false roof over the whole building supported on scaffold and visitors were welcome to climb the scaffold up to the gutter line, so we saw the outside in detail, and the inside including the crypt. We took a heap of photos, all on film; and visited the rudimentary visitors centre to see plans for the future visitors centre shown here. Apparently the restoration, including the false roof, was in progress during the period THAT BOOK was written, but there is no mention of it in the book. I cannot recommend a visit to Rosslyn Chapel highly enough, it was a highlight of our visit to Scotland and ranked with Skara Brae on Orkney.

[@steve-marsh]

Totally agree! Love both those places :)

[@williamwilliam5242]

Omg pure amazing

[@derekcollier7899]

Thank you Steve it was a privilege to join you in the Rosslyn Chapel; I love authentic History

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Derek - the privilege is all mine :)

[@robertgodfrey2867]

Great way to waste a day away Steve. I went many years ago and got some pretty good pictures. Wee bit of history the St. Clairs (later Sinclairs) had a long history in Scotland, with roots in the Orkney Islands and Norway. One William St. Clair fought at the Battle of Hastings alongside his cousin, William the Conqueror, and later gained the barony of Rosslyn from King Malcolm Canmore of Scotland. Another William St. Clair was one of the lords assigned to bring Robert the Bruce's heart to the Holy Land, but he was killed in Spain en route. The William St. Clair who built Rosslyn Chapel had grandiose plans. He intended to create the Collegiate Chapel of St. Matthew, the centerpiece of an educational institution. He founded the town of Rosslyn (now Roslin) to house his workers, hired master masons at a salary of £40 a year and oversaw the creation of a beautiful gothic building with a profusion of carving. Work on the chapel continued for nearly 40 years. Amazing place and no need to read any D.Brown books the facts are better than the fiction 🙏👍

[@steve-marsh]

Absolutely fantastic Robert!!! I learn so much in the comments section :)

[@robertgodfrey2867]

@@steve-marsh welcome mate always enjoy your videos 👍 popping into Edinburgh for work next week might try a few steps see if I can fit in 2022 😂🙏

[@leonlowe]

Thanks to the interest generated by Dan Brown's book, The Da Vinci Code, you were able to record a much improved Roslyn Chapel. The substantial improvements included the lighting, no doubt. Your invitation for a night tour was certainly a tour de force. Another excellent video, Steve!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Leon! I was so privileged to get the invitation to film after hours :)

[@BobGeogeo]

So good that the film led to better upkeep of the chapel. Another Tom Hanks project, From the Earth to the Moon, funded some Apollo era hardware restorations including a Lunar Module that would have been the cancelled Apollo 19.

[@johnlown5988]

Scotland's secret spiritual centre. Well done Steve!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much John - special place for sure!

[@TOSHROSEWELL]

Great stuff Steve ,been watching your travels a while now always fantastic,strange I was just in the chapel car park this morning while my partner was at the dentist😂 I live in the next village of Rosewell,many tracks and trails around here you might enjoy and your subscribers keep up the good work,look forward to your next trip 👍

[@steve-marsh]

Ha small world indeed! Be sure to say hi if our paths cross :)

[@mrmullett1067]

I'm flabbergasted .... that was one very special, special treat. What a treat for you and thank you for sharing this time you took in your life to share with us. I feel quite humbled and would love to return to Scotland one day. Cheers from NZ

[@kevjaffray]

Thanks Steve, now I'm going to have to watch the DaVinci Code again. Hope the van was OK.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Kev! I need to watch it too! Van did well made me proud :)

[@theresemuckel]

What a beautiful chapel! I love your videos, they are always interesting and I hope I can visit some of the places some day. Greetings from Germany

[@steve-marsh]

Therese - thanks so much! Really appreciate it!

[@hjkroeze]

A great video Steve. You're a pro!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Henk :)

[@deeser]

Cracker of a video, mate! Only you could turn taking a vehicle for its MOT into dive into history.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha cheers! I was so glad to be able to find somewhere on a day that's normally written off!

[@flyingchilders]

Fantastic video, congratulations that you got permission to film inside.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Graeme! I was so privileged to get that after hours access, was desperate to do it justice!

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

I had looked at filming Rosslyn Chapel once, but when I saw online photography wasn't permitted, that scuppered that idea. You're the man with the contacts and the charm to have doors opened. Another excellent video.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha cheers Scott! I couldn't believe it when they said yes! I need to ask more, normally I shy away from it!

[@Momus21]

Awesome, humbling and inspiring.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Philip!

[@suetruchan7266]

Thanks for visiting Roslin Chapel. We stopped on our trip last year and found it beautiful also.❤

[@billnict1]

Brilliant video! Keep up the excellent work!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Bill!

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Another great vlog Steve!! Such a beautiful place

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Peter! I got lucky with this one :)

[@craigpswindon]

Brilliant work Steve. Very enjoyable. Thank you

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Craig, thank you!

[@arthurerickson5162]

Absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience, Steve

[@steve-marsh]

Thank you Arthur! :)

[@toddkitchens5703]

How amazingly beautiful is that!? I cannot wait to go there myself some day soon!! Thank you so much for taking us along with you!!

[@steve-marsh]

You're so welcome Teresa :) Thank you!

[@BarneyLeith]

Another humdinger of a video, Steve. Many thanks for bringing us with you on this adventure.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Barney! So glad they allowed me to film such a wonderful place!

[@nicholson392005]

I was inspired to visit this after seeing the Davici Code with Tom Hanks , they laid on a really good tour

[@dennisryckman5210]

Very cool!

[@judym5822]

Another fabulous video Steve. Been to the chapel a few times and always found it so peaceful. Never been down to the castle, so it’s on my to do list now. Look forward to your next trip .Thank you x

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Judy! I was so privileged with the after hours access when it was even MORE peaceful :)

[@kudzumoose3861]

Magnificent. What a treasure. Thanks for sharing with us. Good job.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much :)

[@mlwtennessee322]

Absolutely fascinating!

[@dbsshowcasechannel3568]

Another great video Steve, thank you. My husband and I really enjoy all of your videos. Roll on the next one 😍

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much both! :)

[@GaryCSchade]

Very Nice Indeed. Special Touch remembering William.

[@tomkenyon3721]

What a privilege to film inside this iconic place and especially at night... it really is worth going a long way to see.

[@steve-marsh]

Totally Tom! I was honoured :)

[@arfabarmcake2776]

Amazing vid 👍👍

[@dcallan812]

Fantastic.What a great treat. Stunning location. The history is mind bogling. Thanks for sharing 2x👍

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! Lovely place, was so glad to be able to film there :)

[@desirdecosse2685]

Brilliant, Fantastic video Steve. please carry on your good job, we just love it

[@YmrMom42]

You did an excellent job! Loved the walk, the bits of history and the night visit! Can’t wait to see it myself next Fall!

[@steve-marsh]

Well worth the visit Diane, enjoy it when you visit :)

[@johnlennon3203]

Thanks Steve for another beautiful and emotive video. Keep 'em coming

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers John, really appreciate it :)

[@lauraautry6992]

Thank you so much for an up close and personal tour of the beautiful chapel. I have seen the movie however I will have to watch again it has been a while. Beautiful cat laying in the sun ❤️🤗

[@steve-marsh]

This was such a cool opportunity, loved it and need to watch the movie again too!

[@DrivinginCatalunya]

What an incredible video, I've enjoyed every second specially the final part when you can film inside the chapel. I'm in love with Scotland and videos like this make me desire even more to come back some day. Thanks for sharing!

[@steve-marsh]

You are ever so welcome :)

[@pandorabox82]

What a magnificent view of the chapel! I’m so glad that you were able to share this with us!!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Stephanie! Me too, it was such a privilege :)

[@jennrodenbach4122]

Absolutely breath taking....I'm blown away that you got permission to film! I will be seeing this for myself in just a few days!! Can't wait!!

[@roroger2402]

An amazing video Steve, the Chapel looked so marvelous especially the night scenes.. I found the castle to be spectacular.. especially looking up at it. Cheers.

[@steve-marsh]

It really was a stunning place, hard to believe I've never been there before!

[@beverlyzimmermann5868]

Thank you for the tour❤

[@lornalakin8456]

Great video Steve.You always make your narrative so intetesting.Thank you.

[@DrBrazell]

So cool! Thanks Steve!

[@steve-marsh]

You're so welcome!

[@nbo9092]

Thanks a million Steve. It was an amazing and educational video as usual. I loved the that you had the whole chapel to yourself and an opportunity for me to see it all the way from California. Looking forward for more videos from beautiful Scotland presented by you.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much, glad you liked it :) Aw the best to you in the Golden State :)

[@lizkayoutandabout]

Another great video Steve. You really must have worked your magic to be allowed to film. Well done.

[@steve-marsh]

I can't believe they said yes!

[@JimClelland]

Incredible that you got inside to film. And thanks for sharing it with us. Gave me a tingle down the neck.

[@steve-marsh]

Honestly Jim, I couldn't believe they said yes and then left me ALL ALONE inside!

[@christinehodge3608]

Really enjoyed this interesting video,

[@williamwilliam5242]

Love the video as always

[@steve-marsh]

Glad you enjoyed William!

[@alalder1533]

That was brilliant! The chapel stonework looked magnificent both outside and especially inside in artificial light. Thanks for doing this video!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for coming along :)

[@RedHillian]

More amazing & beautiful gems, what's not to like - and wonderful that you were given special permission to film after hours for us as well!

[@steve-marsh]

I couldn't believe they said YES Tom!

[@jackgaddis8375]

Excellent! Thanks Steve.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Jack!

[@davidsexton6604]

Great vid , loved it !

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers David!

[@jamessmith6402]

Brilliant video very atmospheric 👍 thanks Steve

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers James!

[@suebrown436]

What a beautiful, beautiful place! I love how the lighting in the Chapel brought out all the detail of the stonework inside. Thank you for this, Steve!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Sue! If I'd been more prepared for this I'd take a better camera, but it was a stunning place!

[@TriciaBute]

What a fabulous vlog this is Steve, Rosslyn Chapel is beautiful. I visited there in 2019, whilst visiting the EdFringe and took a bus to go and visit the Chapel. How lucky were you to be able to visit the chapel at night, it appears to be even more stunning in the candlelight. Thank you and keep up the great work. x

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Tricia! Really couldn't believe they said yes! :)

[@stephenpearlman958]

An extremely entertaining and informative video. Congratulations on being invited into Rosslyn Chapel after dark and receiving permission to photograph. God bless William the Cat!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Stephen :) It was a real privilege indeed! Was so sad about William, but what a life he had :)

[@poppyk6182]

Thanks for taking us on another of your fab journeys Steve …. 🕍🏛

[@steve-marsh]

Glad you enjoyed it Poppy, thank you!

[@old_seadog]

That was a superb tour.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much!

[@kitecrewireland]

Absolutely beautiful, enjoy all you video content thanks again for sharing you amazing experience. What a find while waiting on you van MOT 👏👏

[@steve-marsh]

The van did me proud :) Thanks so much!

[@sarahlogan2075]

What a fabulous tour!

[@vebetka8333]

Steve, what a wonderful treat! Seeing the outside of chapel in daylight and then the inside at twilight through your eyes was such a welcome surprise. Thanks as always for stoking my travel dreams.

[@steve-marsh]

Glad you enjoyed it! Such a privilege to be allowed to film there :)

[@janewalters9281]

Wow, it’s seems much more impressive at night with the beautiful lighting. The chapel’s on my bucket list and your video makes me want to visit sooner rather than later…. Thank you

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks for watching Jane - and I agree, it's a 'must-visit' place!

[@myrabenson1603]

What an interesting video great viewing 👍

[@coolcol06]

Wow - awesome video Steve - thanks for that. Have you ever tried exploring Dalkieth,Gorbridega reas? Lots to see and do from the old mining works and a lovely old house and grounds at Newbattle Abbey

[@steve-marsh]

Good call Colin! I plan to get there soon, so many places I've never even been!

[@shannahenk1655]

How amazing that you were allowed to film inside the chapel! Thanks for sharing. It is such a wonderful spot with great tours. I loved visiting there.

[@steve-marsh]

It was such a privilege! Thanks for watching :)

[@nicolab8310]

Such a lovely video. This is local to me and I never knew it existed. We’ll definitely be going. Very gentlemanly taking your hat off, you don’t see that too often nowadays! Great job on the video, nice and informative with lots of beautiful shots x

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Nicola! Yeah, it just wouldn't feel right to be in there with the hat on, well spotted :)

[@Ray_StClair]

AHA I see you've been to my family seat - awesome!

[@blairedwards6025]

Thanks for sharing this experience, Steve. The chapel looks magnificent the way it has been lit. It looks totally different to how it does if you visit during the day. Keep the videos coming! Kind regards as usual. Blair

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Blair! Yes, I LOVED it in the dark - wish I'd known and brought a better camera to capture it!

[@annlewis2856]

What a treat!

[@maryhoward2491]

What a fantastic place. I envy you being able to go around it on your own

[@DrWBRogers]

One of your best films! Thanks.

[@DerrickNedzelMtnBike]

Wow! That’s an amazing view inside Rosslyn Chapel! Good work Steve. I hope your van passed the MOT.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Derrick! Van did me proud, made the day even better :)

[@Bellaboo77]

Only recently found you Steve and been binge watching you and your lovely girl for a couple of weeks... I have since made a trip to Edinburgh and doing another next week just through watching your vlogs ...love your easy going style !! Always wanted to see Roslyn since Da vinci code and you brought it to life for me ...thank you so much ... look forward to the next one.... As a fellow Scot fae Glesga living in England you have given me a new interest in Auld Reekie and places in Scotland I have never been to but are so accessable....👍

[@steve-marsh]

Thank you SO much for the support Myra and the kind words :) Wishing you all the best, Steve and Alicja

[@michaelbrown9891]

Another great video. Well done. 😍😇

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Michael! Appreciated :)

[@jameskruse537]

Greetings, Steve. Wonderful walk and chapel tour. The interior is stunning in the low light you filmed in. I await the directors cut with you as Robert Langdon and Alicia as Sophie Nuevo. Cheers, Jim

[@steve-marsh]

Haha LOVE it James :D

[@NannaCarlstedt2]

Thanks´for sharing!

[@steve-marsh]

My pleasure!

[@beachspirit2455]

This may be your most stunning video. Well shot, spontaneous, very well edited. Thank you I will pass this link on to some friends also. Your ability to make the most of waiting time is amazing.

[@johnallan4826]

Beautiful lighting inside. Thank you Steve

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks John! If I'd known I'd have brought a better camera to capture it!

[@philiproseel3506]

Amazing video. What I loved is, at least on film, the interior looks so much larger than it would be from the outside. Incredibly ornate and wonderful. I'd pay to be able to see Sir William in full armour! Thanks for sharing this.

[@steve-marsh]

I couldn't;t stop thinking about him being down there in the armour! Cheers :)

[@robertbell2524]

That was very very good, Steve. And you caught the area & Chapel on a lovely day with such good natural lighting effects. Your historical facts were interesting. And you did indeed work your magic by managing to take a video inside that gem of a building. It's a very long time since I visited there; the visitor centre wasn't built at that time. I remember feeling as though I had stepped into a little part of France; I felt that before entering the Chapel. I did enjoy your visit very much. Thanks for that.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Robert! You are spot on with your comment about France by the way!