Masons' Marks Project

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The tower, or Old Steeple as it is known locally, is all that survives of the 15th century church of St Mary's, which was said to have had been very large, with a unique feature in the length of it's north and south transepts. These were believed to have been the longest of any ecclesiastical building in Europe. The square tower was completed in the 1480's. The church was captured by the English in 1547 when the tower was fortified and the church used as stables. However, fire subsequently destroyed the church, with only the tower and choir being saved. The nave and transepts were demolished and rebuilding later took place on a more modest scale. George Boiss, mason was employed for 'Kirk Wark' in 1536. The turret head was strengthened in 1607. Work was undertaken in the Bell tower in the 17th century by John Mylne between 1643 and 1646. The cap-house is thought to be a later addition but, apart from one stonemason's mark on the doorway of a cupboard, or toilet, as there appears to be a drain to the side, all other marks are found elsewhere in the tower. It is probable however, that it was re-roofed at a later date. It is the oldest building in Dundee and a good example of late 15th century Gothic style in Scotland.  A programme of restoration and conservation work was undertaken in 1870 by George Gilbert Scott. This may have been when the area around the doorway to the stairs, in the ground floor chamber, was re-built. Two masons' marks recorded in this area behind the door, are different from others and are only found here. A total of 226 marks were recorded of 23 different masons.