Rosslyn Chapel, renowned for its enigmatic connections to The Da Vinci Code, the Holy Grail, and the Knights Templar, has recently unveiled a new and perplexing secret. During a meticulous £7 million renovation of the 600-year-old chapel, builders stumbled upon something truly extraordinary: two ancient beehives intricately carved into the chapel’s stonework.
Key Points
These beehives, situated high on the pinnacles of the chapel’s roof, appear to be the first man-made stone hives ever discovered. This unexpected find has left historians and architects alike in awe, offering new insights into the historical relationship between humans and bees.
A Unique Discovery
The discovery occurred as builders from Page Park undertook the daunting task of dismantling and rebuilding the chapel’s pinnacles for the first time in centuries. Malcolm Mitchell, a representative from the architectural firm, revealed the significance of this find: “From our research, this is a unique situation in Europe. We haven’t found any precedent for this type of hive before. It’s very unusual.”
The beehives, carved directly into the stone, feature entrances shaped through elaborate carved flowers. The design suggests that the bees were not just an afterthought but were given a place of honor in the chapel’s architecture. Unlike traditional beehives, which are typically portable and made from materials like baskets or logs, these stone hives were crafted to provide a permanent sanctuary for the bees.
Mitchell explained, “The hives themselves are the ideal size for bees to inhabit—hollowed out to the size of a gas cylinder—but they were constructed purely as a haven for the bees. They weren’t built to harvest honey.” This detail highlights the historical reverence for bees, echoing ancient Egyptian practices where bees were kept in cylindrical hives and honey was collected for ritualistic and practical uses.
Historical Context and Practices
Human beings have been collecting honey for millennia, starting with wild bee colonies and later domesticating them in various types of hives. Ancient Egyptians used cylindrical hives, as depicted in their temple art, and even sealed pots of honey were discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb. In the Bronze Age, straw and clay hives were unearthed near Jerusalem, organized in neat rows.
The Greeks also practiced beekeeping, celebrating it in their art and literature. This historical backdrop underscores the significance of the stone hives at Rosslyn Chapel, suggesting a longstanding tradition of bee reverence.
Interestingly, the stone hives at Rosslyn Chapel reveal a sophisticated understanding of beekeeping. The north pinnacle’s hive was found with abandoned honeycombs, while the south pinnacle’s hive lacked an entry hole and remained unoccupied. The presence of honeycombs suggests that the hives were once active but had not been maintained for many years.
Expert Opinions and Speculations
Allan Gilmour of Hunter & Clark stonemasons, who worked on the chapel, shared his amazement: “I’ve never heard of man-made stone beehives. I’ve seen bees create hives in stone, but this is a different story. Perhaps the monks faced similar issues and decided to create these stone hives as a sanctuary.”
The unusual nature of these stone beehives has even caught the attention of the Scottish Beekeepers’ Association. Mrs. Una Robertson, the association’s historian, commented, “I’ve never heard of beehives made from stone. Traditionally, bees were kept in skeps made of straw or dried grass. Wooden hives became common only in the 17th century. This stone hiving is quite extraordinary.”
Reinstatement and Future Insights
The stone beehives have been carefully reinstated within the newly rebuilt pinnacles, preserving this unique piece of history. The chapel, which began construction in 1446 under the direction of William St Clair, Prince of Orkney, has always been a site of historical intrigue. The building was left incomplete upon St Clair’s death in 1484, and its current state reflects the structure’s form from that era.
This latest discovery adds another layer to the chapel’s many mysteries. The stone beehives provide a tangible connection to the past, revealing a thoughtful and respectful approach to nature that transcends time. The decision to incorporate these beehives into the chapel’s architecture reflects a deep-seated appreciation for bees, a symbol of diligence and productivity in various cultures throughout history.
As researchers continue to explore the implications of this discovery, the stone beehives of Rosslyn Chapel may offer new insights into medieval attitudes toward beekeeping and the sacredness of nature. The chapel’s ongoing restoration and study ensure that these historical artifacts will remain a point of fascination and scholarly interest for years to come.
