Proclamation at the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

2865

Title

Proclamation at the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh

Description

In front of St Giles Cathedral criers in ceremonial dress read out a proclamation from the Mercat Cross. A crowd which includes soldiers and man standing in a horse-drawn carriage has gathered to listen. A cart laden with barrels and baskets waits nearby.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1900

Size

21.4 x 16.3 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Edinburgh's Mercat Cross stands at the east end of St Giles Kirk on the High Street. The original cross stood nearby but was dismantled in 1756 and taken to Drum House. William Gladstone instigated the erection of the current cross in 1885, which incorporates some parts from its much larger predecessor. The Mercat Cross is the traditional centre of the city market, a meeting place for merchants, a place of execution and the site of official proclamations.

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Related subjects

Business > Service industry > Mercat Crosses

Events > Ceremonies > Proclamations

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Land > Horse and carriages

Transport > Land > Horse and carts