A view of the Old Town

Category

Library Item

Item no

11060

Title

A view of the Old Town, taken from Clarke's Circulating Library, South St Andrews Street, Edinburgh

Description

Horsedrawn coaches travel along Princes Street, Edinburgh. The road is busy with people. Beyond Princes Street are the tall tenements of the Old Town and the drained Nor' Loch. To the left is North Bridge, and in the background Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags.

Artist / maker

Kay, A.

Engraver

Clark, I.

Date

1812

Size

39.7 x 50.8 cm

Type

Aquatint

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Princes Street is one of the main thoroughfares in Edinburgh. It is notable in that there are no buildings on its southern side.
Originally created for defensive reasons the Nor' Loch was used as a midden for Edinburgh's Old Town. It became both unpleasant and unhealthy for the city's residents, and was drained in the 18th century. Princes Street Gardens now stand in its place.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Places > Edinburgh areas > New Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Stone bridges

Transport > Land > Horse and carriages

(55°57′7″N, 3°11′53″W)

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.