Rosslyn Chapel Decoded: New Interpretations of a Gothic Enigma

by Alan Butler, John Ritchie

Rosslyn Chapel is a deeply enigmatic 15th-century Gothic masterpiece, situated near Edinburgh. Although generally referred to as a 'chapel' and acting as a local parish church these days, Rosslyn is actually much more than either - and in fact most people who have studied the site in detail come to the conclusion that those who created the structure in the 15th century were not, in reality, intent on building a Christian church at all. In fact, nothing at Rosslyn is what it seems. With its overpowering air of mystery, its superlative stone carvings and its strong Templar and Freemasonic connections, Rosslyn represents one of the most absorbing historical puzzles in Britain. The discovery of new evidence by the authors puts a new slant on the motivations of those who decided to create a New Jerusalem in the Scottish Lowlands. The signs pointed the authors to a lost holy relic - the skull of St Matthew the Evangelist, in whose name the chapel is dedicated. There is startling evidence that this skull came to Rosslyn in the early 15th century, brought there by polymath, librarian and all-round genius Sir Gilbert Hay, who also put together a substantial library.

What follows is no less than an adventure, using the clues from the lost books to locate St Matthew's skull - now in Washington, DC. The authors also embark on a thorough examination of Rosslyn Chapel's credentials, both a Christian church and as an icon of the impending Renaissance, a reconstruction of King Solomon's Temple and an astronomical observatory - all suffused with ancient beliefs that would have had the chapel's builders burned at the stake if their true motivations had been discovered.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Alan Butler is an established author, historian, and researcher with a career spanning several decades. His work primarily focuses on uncovering historical mysteries, especially those related to ancient civilizations, astronomy, astrology, and comparative religion. Early in his career, Butler worked as an engineer, a background he credits with shaping his meticulous approach to historical inquiry. Over time, he transitioned to writing and researching full-time, exploring topics such as the Knights Templar, goddess worship, Freemasonry, and the role of astronomy in ancient societies.
Butler has co-authored several influential books with Christopher Knight, including Civilization One, which examines ancient measuring systems, and Who Built the Moon?, which delves into the Moon's unique characteristics and its connection to Earth's history. His solo works include The Knights Templar: Their History and Myths Revealed, The Virgin and the Pentacle, and Sheep, a unique exploration of the cultural significance of sheep throughout history.
Apart from writing, Butler has written plays for BBC Radio and participated in television documentaries. He lives in Northern England with his wife, where he continues his research and writing on historical enigmas. Butler is also a noted speaker at seminars and events focused on ancient studies and esoteric topics.

Reviews

[Anusha Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was surprisingly a very enlightening read. Prior to starting this book, I didn’t know much about the Rosslyn Chapel. The moment I read the first couple pages of it, I was immediately plunged into the history of the mystic symbols and carvings that adorn the walls and pillars of the cathedral.

The architecture of Rosslyn Chapel is completely unprecedented and never to be duplicated. No wonder, there are myriads of theories as to its origins, purpose, meaning, symbolism, and even history. This book discusses the theories and offers up some of its own, ranging from The Knights Templar and Masonic Rituals all the way to present day remodeling.

Seriously, reading this book just made me want to move to England. I want to travel and soak up all the history and cryptic-ness of England and the rest of Europe.

Wow got a little carried away there (my bad). This book is a ‘picture book.’ Butler and Ritchie have included pictures of the symbols and architecture they are talking about in the book … which makes reading even more enjoyable. I received an ebook and it was rather difficult for me to view and appreciate the photos…so if you decide to read this book, I suggest getting a hard copy.

This book is very different from what I generally read and review. This read isn’t for my general audience that enjoys YA books. However, if you are stuck in a rut of reading the same story (love triangle, weird dystopian series, and even repetitive fantasy) this book could give you a well deserved break. Switch things up a bit with this book. I recommend it for all ages, in fact because of all the snazzy photos children may enjoy this a lot. If you are intending to travel anywhere near the UK or Europe, this book is worth your while. Of course, if you just can’t get enough of history and puzzles (I, myself, fall into this category) – What are you waiting for?

I would like to thank the publisher, authors, and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC to read and review.

Happy Decoding!!!

More Fun, books, and whimsical adventures await you, Please check out Rainbows and Books

[Craig Ancell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just another entry in the 'Rosslyn Chapel' mystery? Yes indeed. Worth dipping into if you've already exhausted reading on the subject? Of course!
Rosslyn Chapel is a riddle, wrapped in a puzzle, inside an enigma. There are ostensibly as many theories around its construction and the secrets inherent within, as there are stars in the moonlit skies above it. The more you read on the subject of the Rosslyn Chapel, the further you go down the rabbit hole. This book, at first glance, appears to give some handy tips to help guide you around the labyrinthian rabbit hole into which you have descended. The authors throw up a number of references of other authors work on the subject, and other associated subjects, which have resulted in my purchase of two books as an addendum to this subject.
My motivation for reading 'Rosslyn Chapel Decoded: New Interpretations of a Gothic Enigma' was to gain a little more Masonic insight into the Rosslyn Chapel. This was achieved despite neither of the authors being Freemasons, and indeed despite them at times referring to Freemasonry in quite a dismissive tone. There may be no love lost between the authors and Freemasonry in general, but there is a huge amount of love for the subject of the Rosslyn Chapel in particular.
The authors touch on many subjects ranging from topography to astronomy; from history to theology; from the esoteric to the earthly bound. It is a book of many parts, just as the chapel is a building of many chapters and verses. This book will encourage you to read deeper on the subject of Rosslyn and the esotericism that is wrapped around its construction and history. It will make you want even more, to visit it one day.
This book will not fully decode or demystify Rosslyn Chapel for you, as the chapel will never give up its secrets that easily. This book will however deepen your appreciation for the brilliance of thought and vision of our forebears, and help you realise just how dumbed down our current society is. Mostly however, it will remind you why those of us with an intellectual curiosity will always be attracted to reading, especially on subjects ranging and far reaching.

[Molly Trammell · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not an extensive history/deep dive (that would likely need multiple books), this book is a very well-researched feat by two obviously intelligent and dedicated Rosslyn historians. It was definitely full of interesting history and tidbits relating to the chapel and the history of its founders. They mostly focused on the ties to its dedicated saint, St. Matthew. This makes sense but I was a bit disappointed that they did not once mention the Magdalene, and even if their research suggests to them she isn’t relevant they should at least have addressed the connection that is commonly made between her and the chapel. Overall, though I thought this was definitely an interesting read and it shone some light on a few under-publicized aspects of Rosslyn.

[Carly Signor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up this book in the gift shop at Rosslyn Chapel at the recommendation of our tour guide when we visited. With a short amount of time actually spent at the Chapel, is was great to dive in deeper to the mystery of what the Chapel is. Although a bit dense at times, I appreciated that the authors stuck to the facts and didn't embellish the history. You can read Angels and Demons for that.

[Moriamo A. Onabanjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating history

[Ionia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was even better than I had suspected it might be. I was particularly thrilled with the portion that explained St. Matthew's Pillar. I too, had heard that pillar explained in another, less realistic way and this book shed a lot of light on the true symbolism the pillar represented.

I also enjoyed all of the information on freemasonry that Alan Butler and John Ritchie included in Rosslyn Chapel Decoded. This book tells of the rich history of the small chapel much better than previous books I had read about the subject. I learned a lot about Mithraism that I wasn't aware of and it helped me to answer some of the questions I had never been able to answer before.

I love the descriptive quality of the authors' writing. Although it is usually fiction that makes me feel this way, this non-fiction account of the chapel made it seem as though I were standing within it, appreciating the timeless and ornate beauty. If you have been to Rosslyn Chapel or plan to visit there, you will want to read this book. Even if you aren't planning a visit, this book is worth reading for the detailed history it explains.

There is also a very intriguing section about the possible connections between Washington DC and Rosslyn chapel or more specifically the Cathedral of St. Matthew. The author makes you stop and think about what you might have learned and offers other possible explanations that are intelligent and plausible.

Overall I found this to be a really well written book with a lot of information that I had not been able to acquire anywhere else. The authors have done their research and written a book that is not only informative, but beautifully constructed and fun to read.

This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher.

[Erin (Historical Fiction Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

How I wish I'd read Alan Butler and John Ritchie's Rosslyn Chapel Decoded before visiting Rosslyn Chapel. Really, I would have taken so much more from the experience had I been better acquainted with Chapel's history.

Butler's work offers readers a detailed look at the Chapel, beginning with its founding and coming forward to renewed interest sparked by Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. It also explores the multitude of symbols and architectural details within the Chapel, many of which you could hardly hope to notice when visiting for the first time.

An easy to read volume, perfect for anyone wishing to know more about the beloved landmark.

[Deb Novack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the few books I have read about the Chapel this is by far the most informative. I learned so much about architecture,art, the many religions and the many mysteries surrounding the Chapel and the Sinclairs. The pictures showed what a wonderful and beautiful place it truly is. I want to visit Scotland some day and the Chapel is on my list, but while reading, I truly felt like I was there. Wonderfully written and I highly recommended it.
I wrote this review based on a digital ARC from the publisher Watkins Publiushing and Net Galley.

[Elizabeth Grieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, this relates the history of the beautiful and mysterious Rosslyn Chapel. Although I have visited it several times, before, during and after the latest conservation work, I was unaware of most of the book's revelations. Whether you have been there already or are planning to visit in the future, I would recommend that you read this book first, and take it with you! I will certainly do so on my next visit.

Review is of a digital preview copy.

[Elizabeth Judd Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, and has some interesting theories, but tends to jump around a bit too much. I think if they had stuck to the St. Matthew theory and even just given more background on him and everything in the chapel that has to do with him the book would have felt more focussed and coherent. The Freemason stuff seemed like filler, as did a few other tangents that the authors went on.

[Beth Schultz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed in this book. I expected some insight to this wonderful piece of history. Instead I got conjecture, assumptions and conclusion without much to back it up. do not waste your time on this.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insights, very well researched. Awesome to read after visiting the Chapel, helped to round out or replace some of the theories that you hear about there.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's tempting to just start again from the beginning; this book is so very interesting and packed with details.
I loved the way history intertwined with early Christianity, symbolism, and politics, come together just like the solution to a thrilling mystery. The authors build their case bit by bit from highly plausible deductions and factual observations.
This book was so fun to read and I learned many things from it that I never knew anything about before.