Fig. 830.—St. Giles’ Collegiate Church. Choir.
Fig. 831.—St. Giles’ Collegiate Church. The East Pillar, South Side of Choir.
and interesting story, and prove beyond doubt the date of the work. Each capital contains four shields ([Fig. 831]), which are explained by Dr. Laing in the following manner:—The north or, as it is commonly called, the king’s pillar contains in its sculptured cap a series of heraldic emblems of special significance. The shield facing the east contains the royal arms ([Fig. 832]), with a label of three points, which, no doubt, denotes the infant heir to the throne, James III. The shield facing the west is also carved with the royal lion rampant, with its double tressure; but the top of the shield is unfinished. This is probably the arms of James II. The shield
Fig. 832.—St. Giles’ Collegiate Church.
Shield bearing the Royal Arms.