St Giles's Cathedral, Edinburgh. The Tower and Lantern

Category

Library Item

Item no

15261

Title

St Giles's Cathedral, Edinburgh. The tower and lantern

Description

A detailed engraving of the top of the tower and spire of St. Giles Cathedral. A cockerel-shaped wind vane sits atop an ornately carved and decorated stone spire which sits in the shape of a rounded crown. This crown sits one top of a stone belfry with three pointed arch windows on each side.

Artist / maker

Billings, Robert William

Engraver

Le Keux, J. H.

Date

1847

Size

23 x 17.5 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

St Giles Kirk, often called St Giles Cathedral, is situated on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. A church has stood on the site since around 1120-1140, but little remains of the 12th century structure. St Giles played an important part in the Scottish Protestant Reformation with John Knox serving as its minister from 1560 until his death in 1572. The building has experienced significant additions, alterations and restorations during its history. The Thistle Chapel, a private chapel for the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, was added between 1909-11.

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