St Mary Magdalene

Hidden within Edinburgh’s historic Cowgate stands St Mary Magdalene Chapel. This unassuming building holds centuries of captivating stories. Founded in the 16th century it’s a testament to faith and resilience. Michael MacQueen a wealthy merchant envisioned St Mary Magdalene. He left 700 pounds for its construction. His wife Janet Rhynd added a substantial 2000 pounds completing the chapel and almshouse. The chapel was designed to house a chaplain and seven poor men. They were to pray for the soul of Mary Queen of Scots. Originally under the patronage of the Hammermen’s Incorporation of Edinburgh St Mary Magdalene served its charitable functions until the mid-19th century. The hospital and chapel stood at the corner of the Cowgate and Candlemaker Row. Only the chapel survives today. Alterations in 1614-1615 and the addition of a tower in 1622 significantly changed the structure. Parts are now incorporated into the Livingston Memorial Missionary Training Institution and Dispensary. Today only the east gable and south side of the original chapel are visible. The masonry shows considerable alteration and repair. Before the Reformation Mary of Guise the Queen Regent held academic lectures within St Mary Magdalene’s walls. The chapel’s unique pre-Reformation stained glass depicts the Royal Arms of Scotland and the arms of Mary of Guise. It’s a rare surviving example of religious art in Scotland. Following the Reformation John Knox’s colleagues preached at St Mary Magdalene. The chapel’s history also entwines with Scotland’s Covenanters. After executions in the nearby Grassmarket the bodies of martyrs were brought to St Mary Magdalene to be prepared for burial. The table used for this somber task still remains. The chapel served various religious groups including Episcopalians and Baptists. In the 18th century a printing press operated near or within the chapel. In 1857 the Hammermen sold St Mary Magdalene to the Protestant Institute for Scotland. After significant restoration in 1992-1993 St Mary Magdalene became the headquarters of the Scottish Reformation Society. It stands as a powerful reminder of Edinburgh’s rich history a place where faith resilience and reformation intertwined.