Cross at Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

2866

Title

Cross at Edinburgh

Description

A view of the Mercat Cross and St Giles Cathedral on the High Street in Edinburgh. Tenement buildings are along the other side of the street.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Engraver

Newton, James

Date

1791

Size

14.2 x 18.2 cm

Type

Engraving

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

Homes > Residential buildings > Flats

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

People > Adults > Men

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

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