Advocate's Close, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

2476

Title

Advocate's Close, Edinburgh

Description

An image of the view down Advocates' Close, Edinburgh. Through the arched passageway is a flagstone path, leading to buildings. Scaffolding is at the other end of the passage. A handrail is attached at one side to a wall and a street sign above the entranceway reads "Advocates' Close".

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1974

Size

10.4 x 8.8 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Advocate's Close runs steeply downhill from the High Street in Edinburgh, opposite St Giles Kirk, to Cockburn Street. It takes its name from Sir James Stewart of Goodtrees, Lord Advocate of Scotland between 1692-1709, and 1711-1713, who was resident here. It had also been home to his father Sir James Stewart of Coltness, Lord Provost of Edinburgh. Advocate's Close lost its lower section in the construction of Cockburn Street, and its west side was demolished in the 1880's. Despite this it remains one of the prettiest closes in Edinburgh's Old Town.

The 'closes' of Edinburgh's Old Town are narrow passages branching off at right angles from the main streets. They provide access to the tenement buildings, and often to small shared courtyards. Many closes also act as shortcuts between Old Town's main streets.

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Related images

Related subjects

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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