The nave ([Fig. 291]) measures about 33 feet 4 inches long, and was probably about 19 feet wide inside. The chancel is about square, being 16 feet 1½ inch from east to west by 15 feet 6 inches wide, the total inside length of the church being 52 feet 9 inches.
On the outside a series of pilaster buttresses divided the nave into four bays; these still exist along the south side, measuring about 2 feet on the face, and having a projection of 9 inches, with a large base returned round them. To these pilasters massive buttresses ([Fig. 292]) projecting three feet have been added. At the corners of the church the original angle pilasters remain unaltered. The old doorway in the west bay of the south side ([Fig. 293]) still continues unchanged, except that it
Fig. 294.—Duddingston Church.
is built up, and has an incongruous granite slab occupying the whole space. The opening of the doorway is about 4 feet 2 inches wide. The arch is richly sculptured with the chevron in two orders, the inner order being supported on shafts decorated with the chevron in a manner not found, we think, anywhere else in Scotland. On one of these shafts there are two sculptured scenes. The upper one represents the Crucifixion. (See [Fig. 293.]) The lower one ([Fig. 294]) shows a figure holding aloft a drawn sword; beside the sword, in the shade where the shaft disappears at the jamb, there is what looks like a key, possibly the symbol of St. Peter, so that the subject may be the incident of cutting off the ear of the High Priest.
The chancel arch ([Fig. 295]) is the only Norman feature now remaining in the interior. It is in two orders, having on the outer order the usual chevron ornament, with a notched hood moulding similar to what is found at Dunfermline. The inner order has a bold bead on the edge. The arch is quite plain on its inner face towards the chancel. It is carried by three semi-shafts ([Fig. 296]), with cushion caps and simple bases. The abacus has been carved with facets.
On the exterior of the chancel there occur on the north and south sides (see [Fig. 292.]) characteristic Norman corbels supporting the wall-head parapet. These consist generally of the usual bridled heads and monstrous faces, but they are now very weather-worn.
The north wall of the nave has been taken down and a north aisle added (see Plan), apparently in the year 1631, as that date ([Fig. 297]) is carved on a window lintel of the east wall. In the north gable of this aisle there are two traceried windows, somewhat after the style of the Perpendicular Period. ([Fig. 298.]) It will be observed that the mouldings of the loop form of the tracery do not mitre with the arch mouldings.
At a later period a central window, without tracery, has been placed in the north wall of the aisle. It corresponds exactly with the windows