The Castle by moonlight

Category

Library Item

Item no

10138

Title

Edinburgh Castle by moonlight from the Grassmarket

Description

Watercolour of Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket on a moonlit night. The moonlight reflects off the wet streets and the silhouettes of two men pushing a barrow and a woman walking in the opposite direction can be seen.

Artist / maker

Blair, John

Engraver

Goupil & Cie

Date

1892

Size

20 x 26 cm.

Type

Watercolour

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Edinburgh Castle stands on a volcanic plug. It has been used as a fortification since the Iron Age. The oldest part of the present day castle is St Margaret's Chapel which dates from 1093. The Castle holds the Honours of Scotland and more recently has welcomed back the Stone of Scone otherwise known as the Stone of Destiny.

The Grassmarket is a central area situated below Edinburgh Castle. It has been the site of many public executions. A weekly market was held there from 1477 until 1911. The Grassmarket continues to be a popular area for socialising.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Natural phenomena > Astronomy > Moon

Places > Edinburgh areas > Grassmarket

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Eating and drinking facilities > Inns

Sport and leisure > Eating and drinking facilities > Public houses

Transport > Infrastructure > Street lights

Transport > Land > Carts and wagons

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