Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket

Category

Library Item

Item no

14383

Title

Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket from the roof of Central Library

Description

A view of the Castle and buildings in the Grassmarket from the roof of Central Library. The tall spire of the Highland Tolbooth Church is visible on the left.

Artist / maker

MacLean, Kevin

Date

2008

Type

Digital image

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Edinburgh Castle is perhaps the city's most famous landmark. It stands on top of the remaining core of an extinct volcano. Excavations suggest the site was inhabited by Bronze Age man as early as 900 BC, and was fortified by Iron Age man roughly 2000 years ago. The oldest part of the present day Castle is St Margaret's Chapel, built in the early 12th century. 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 an open area situated below Edinburgh Castle at the west end of the Cowgate. It was, for many centuries, an important venue for commercial and social activity in the Old Town. A weekly market was held here from the 15th to the early 20th century. It was also the site of many public executions. The Grassmarket continues to be a popular area for socialising, with a large number of pubs and restaurants.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Manufacturing Industry > Manufacturing equipment > Cranes

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Edinburgh Castle

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Anglican churches

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