Wikipedia gives the legend: the master mason travelled to see an original of the column design, returned to find his apprentice had completed it, and struck him on the head with a mallet in jealous anger. The master's face is said to be carved on the opposite side of the chapel as eternal punishment. Mysterious Britain says the master went to Rome and adds that a carved head with a wound on the forehead is said to be the apprentice, though Reformation damage makes it hard to judge.
Wikipedia states that this is a legend of the 18th century and not documented fact. The pillar was named the Prince's Pillar in documents from 1778, and the apprentice story emerged after that. Stories of a murdered apprentice are told of other great buildings, in Britain and abroad.
The chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair and is open to paying visitors.
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