Kings Pillar

Category

Library Item

Item no

3076

Title

Kings Pillar, Royal Arms impaling Arms of Queen Mary, St Giles

Description

The capital of a pillar in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh has a coat of arms showing heraldic symbols and other motifs. There is other carved stone decoration, including heads, around the piece.

Artist / maker

Ross, Thomas

Date

1890

Size

16.5 x 21.5 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

St Giles Kirk, often called St Giles Cathedral, is situated on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. A church has stood on the site since around 1120-1140, but little remains of the 12th century structure. St Giles played an important part in the Scottish Protestant Reformation with John Knox serving as its minister from 1560 until his death in 1572. The building has experienced significant additions, alterations and restorations during its history. The Thistle Chapel, a private chapel for the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, was added between 1909-11.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Coats of arms

Architecture > Architectural features > Columns

Architecture > Architectural features > Finials

Architecture > Architectural features > Stone carvings

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Protestant churches

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