A somewhat elaborate north doorway (see [Fig. 486]) has been introduced, in a style similar to that of the buttresses, in the second bay from the west tower. The arch is semicircular, and has an ogee canopy. There are small niches above the arch on each side which contained statues, now demolished. This doorway was probably constructed by Abbot Crawford at the same date as the buttresses.
A series of buttresses was also erected about the same time on the south side of the fabric. It is believed, however, that these buttresses are partly old, or are on old foundations. In order not to interfere with the cloister walk, which ran along next the south wall, and where it would have been inconvenient to have any projections, the buttresses were carried in the form of flying arches over the top of the cloister roof. At the clerestory level (see [Fig. 493]) flying arches, similar to those on the north side, rested against the upper portions of buttresses and pinnacles introduced between the windows. On the outside of the cloister walk the flying arch abutted upon oblong masses of masonry, which, probably, at one time were finished with pinnacles, but these no longer exist. [Fig. 499] shows the lower part of the eastmost of these buttresses, from which it is evident that the outer enclosure of the cloister walk was connected with them, and extended as an open arcade between them.
Fig. 499.—Holyrood Abbey. Buttress in Cloister, showing Arcade.
Abbot Crawford was succeeded by Robert Bellenden, who presented the abbey with many costly gifts. Amongst these were the bells, a great brass font, and a chalice of gold. He further completed the restoration of the fabric begun by Abbot Crawford by covering the roof with lead. This took place before 1528.
In 1539 the office of commendator was bestowed on Robert, natural son of James V., while still an infant.
The “great brass font” was carried off by Sir Richard Lee, an officer of Hertford’s army, in 1544, and taken to St. Alban’s Abbey. It was afterwards sold for old metal.
The brass lectern of the abbey seems also to have fallen into Sir Richard Lee’s hands, and was by him presented to the parish church of St. Stephen’s, at St. Alban’s, where it still stands. It is a handsome lectern of the usual form, having an eagle with outstretched wings to receive the volume. It contains a shield with a lion rampant and a crozier, with the inscription, “Georgius Crichton, Episcopus, Dunkeldensis.”[34] Before becoming bishop, Crichton was Abbot of Holyrood, 1515-24.