Bailie Fyfe's Close, High Street Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

11992

Title

Bailie Fyfe's Close, High Street Edinburgh

Artist / maker

MacLean, Kevin

Date

2007

Size

26.4 x 19.7 cm

Type

Digital image

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

In existence since 1572, Bailie Fyfes close is located just off the Royal Mile, and has also been known as both Trotters Close and Barries Close. Its current name refers to Gilbert Fyfe, a bailie who lived there between 1677 and 1686. Above the modern entrance lies a heraldic panel from the 17th century. Judge Francis Jeffrey, who founded the Edinburgh Review, studied at this location in 1781. The shield bears the arms of Hay of Murnsyde. A lintel reportedly taken from the east side of the close was placed above a doorway in the modern building reads ENEMEIS OF GOD AND THE KING TO THE EARTH DID ME DOVN DING.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

Communication > Written > Signs

Places > Edinburgh areas > Canongate

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Closes

Transport > Infrastructure > Pavements

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