Magdalen Chapel, Edinburgh

The Magdalen Chapel, also known as Magdalene Chapel, was constructed between 1541 and 1544. The funds for its construction came from the estate of Michael MacQueen, who passed away in 1537, and additional contributions from his widow, Janet Rynd. The official Foundation Charter from 1547 states that Michael, despite facing significant health issues and old age, believed that creating a lasting Christian structure would secure his place in Eternal Life. The chapel's purpose was to serve as a place of worship with a resident chaplain, as well as an almshouse for seven destitute men who were tasked with offering prayers for the soul of Mary, Queen of Scots. Before the Reformation, academic lectures were also organized there under the patronage of the Queen Regent, Mary of Guise.

Above the chapel's entrance, there is an inscription that reads: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord and the Lord will recompense him that which he hath given, Proverbs 19:17."

Around 1615, a semi-circular wooden platform was added to the chapel's east end, resulting in changes to the chapel's layout. In the same year, John Sawer created the ornate heraldic panel over the door, which was relocated to its current position in 1649. The tower and spire were constructed around 1620, and a bell, cast by the Dutch bell founder Michael Burgerhuys of Middelburg, was installed in 1632. The stained glass in the central window of the south wall displays the Royal Arms of Scotland and the Arms of Mary of Guise. Remarkably, this stained glass window is the only surviving example of pre-Reformation stained glass in Scotland. The Magdalen Chapel holds the designation of a Category A listed building, signifying its historical and architectural significance.