Interior. Detail of funerary monument. Digital image of B 40562

Description Interior. Detail of funerary monument. Digital image of B 40562

Date 4/9/1990

Catalogue Number SC 801088

Category On-line Digital Images

Copy of B 40562

Scope and Content Mural monument commemorating William, 3rd Duke of Hamilton, St Bride's Parish Church, Main Street, Bothwell, South Lanarkshire Although thoroughly Classical in its inspiration, the monument uses a range of different motifs and emblems in its design. For instance, the elaborate Corinthian and Tuscan pilasters (resembling flattened pillars) are adorned with the coats-of-arms and orders of chivalry of William and his ancestors. At the foot of the monument are a series of marble panels, showing a series of different emblems, the centrepiece showing a variety of weapons, including spears, pikes and a cannon, an allusion to William's role in the wars of Charles II. Other emblems show death, such as the putti, or cherubs, flanking the inscription tablet. Depicted as standing on skulls and holding extinguished torches, they signify the passing of the duke's life. The flaming urns on either side of the large heraldic panel at the top of the monument are an emblem of immortality. Fire was used as a metaphor for life, an extinguished torch representing a life snuffed out while a flaming torch stood as an allusion to the immortality of the soul. As the son of the Marquis of Douglas, William was Earl of Selkirk in his own right, and became Duke of Hamilton through marriage to the heiress of the 1st Duke, with the title subsequently conferred upon him for life. In his lifetime, he was an important political figure in the reigns of Charles II and James VII, his rank as Scotland's premier peer making him a leading figure. Despite having served as a counsellor to both Stewart monarchs, he was amongst the first to pledge his allegiances to William of Orange during the 'Glorious Revolution'. Situated within the parish church, this mural monument commemorates William, 3rd Duke of Hamilton who died in 1694. Designed by the architect James Smith, famous for his work at Hamilton Palace and the remodelling of Holyrood Palace for Charles II, the monument originally stood within the Old Kirk of Hamilton, but was moved in 1842 when the church was demolished. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/801088

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap