Fortrose Cathedral

Fortrose Cathedral

ID: ROMGH_00_172 DESCRIPTION: Fortrose Cathedral was built when Bishop Robert of the Diocese of Ross moved from Rosemarkie to Fortrose in the mid-13th century. It was dedicated to Saints Peter and Curitan. Building ceased during the Wars of Independence and was resumed in the late 14th century. After the Reformation the roof lead was taken by William, Lord Ruthven, and the building fell into disrepair. Tradition has it that much of the red sandstone was later removed by Oliver Cromwell to build his fort in Inverness. The rest was taken by local villagers for their houses. All that remains of the original building is the south side of the nave and the undercroft or sacristy of the chapter house. The outline of the original building can be seen on the grass. In the 17th century the building became a burial ground for the Mackenzies of Seaforth. The Cathedral contains many marble tablets commemorating members of the Mackenzie family and a memorial, built about 1800, to Sir Alexander Mackenzie of Coul. There are also three arched tombs in the Cathedral: to Euphemia, Countess of Ross, who was forced to marry Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch; to Bishop Robert Cairncross, who died in 1545; and to Bishop John Fraser, who died in 1507. The Cathedral was the scene of the trial of Coinneach Odhar Fiosaiche, the Brahan Seer . This image may be available to purchase. For further information about purchasing and prices please email Groam House Museum PLACENAME: Fortrose OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ROSS: Rosemarkie SOURCE: Groam House Museum COLLECTION: Groam House Museum Photographic Collection Asset ID: 39078 KEYWORDS: