The Douglas Heritage Museum
St
Sophia's Chapel, in the Lanarkshire village of Douglas, is now home
to the Douglas Heritage Museum. Originally the Dower House of
the old Castle of Douglas, the building has had many uses in its
lifetime, before being converted to the present museum in 1993.
In 1706, the building was reconstructured to provide a Parish
School. The inscription above the door tells the story (see
below). A century later, it was used as a poor House where a
night's lodging was given to vagrants. Later it reverted to
being a dwelling-house and remained as such til 1961 when it was
dedicated as an Episcopal Church to replace the chapel in Douglas
castle.
The exhibitions are changed annually to show the various aspects of
village life, Douglas families and the Cameronian Regiment. The museum is open
Saturdays and Sundays from 2.00 - 5.00 pm or by special arrangement.
St Sophia’s, Bell’s Wynd, Douglas
ML11 0QH
Tel: 01555 851243
Click to enlarge the images
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The inscription above the entrance |
This building is restored for the foster children of the muses under the auspices of the high and noble Duke of Douglas for the perpetual use of the School and schoolmaster 1706 |
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Opening times |
Weekends only |
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St Sophia's Chapel |
Now the Douglas Heritage Museum |
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The Good Sir James |
One of the exhibits is this depiction by Billy Rough |
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Douglas stone crest |
From Douglas Castle |
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Crockery from Douglas Castle |
Note the address - Douglas N.B. (North Britain) |
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Goblets from Douglas Castle |
Carved from a tree on the estate.
Most of the contents were sold off when the castle was demolished |
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The key of the castle door |
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The Diocese of Glasgow (St Mungo) and Canon Reid's own crest |
From the building's time as an Episcopal Church |
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The Douglas and Lanark County crests |
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The Earl of Angus |
He raised the Cameronian Regiment |
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The christening font, with jug and plate |
From the Douglas Castle Chapel |
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The arms of Sir william Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas |
These windows were designed by Christopher Whall. |
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The arms of James, 2nd Earl of Mar |
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The arms of Archibald (The Grim) 3rd Earl of Douglas |
These windows were originally in Douglas Castle |
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Arms of Archibald Douglas, 4th earl of Douglas |
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The arms of William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas |
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The arms of Archibald, 5th earl of Douglas |
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A triptych at the south end of the chapel |
Originally part of the alter-piece in the castle chapel, the subject of the triptych is the Adoration of the Kings and Shepherds. |
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The left panel of the triptych |
On this panel is the Archangel, Michael, holding a banner bearing the arms of the Douglases and the Third King, Power, representing the House of Douglas laying down his sword before the Prince of Peace with Douglas Castle in the background. |
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The right panel |
On this panel can be seen St Bride's Church and the now demolished Free Church. Villagers and shepherds wearing Scottish 'rustic' dress can be seen. |
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A little banner showing the Douglas crest |
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Any contributions will be
gratefully accepted