Flodden Wall

Category

Library Item

Item no

3035

Title

Flodden Wall, section between Society and Potterrow. Part formerly behind the Royal Scottish Museum, Chambers Street

Description

Part of the Flodden wall in Edinburgh with other buildings behind it.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1880

Size

19.6 x 23.2 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

'Society' refers to an area of land granted to the Fellowship and Society of Ale and Beer Brewers of the Burgh of Edinburgh in the late 16th century. The land soon returned to the city's ownership, but retained the name. Originally a quite extensive area lying between the Flodden Wall and the Cowgate its size was diminished by 19th century urban development. A small area around Bristo Port and the Museum of Scotland continued to be known as 'Society' until the 1960's.

The Flodden Wall was built around Edinburgh following the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Subsequent military incursions into Edinburgh showed the wall offered little practical defence to the city. Substantial sections of the wall are still visible in the Vennel, close to the Grassmarket, and on the Pleasance as it nears the Cowgate.

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Related subjects

Military > Military facilities > Forts and fortifications

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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