Mercat Cross, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

2867

Title

Mercat Cross, Edinburgh

Description

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

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1791

Size

13.4 x 17.6 cm

Type

Wash drawing

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.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Business > Service industry > Mercat Crosses

Government > Local > Tolbooths

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

(55°56′59″N, 3°11′23″W)

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