St Giles, Base of Pillars, Preston Aisle

Category

Library Item

Item no

3088

Title

St Giles, base of pillars, Preston aisle

Description

Underneath the base of a pillar in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, is an ornately decorated, tiled floor. The column is separated into an octagonal shape at its base.

Artist / maker

Ross, Thomas

Date

1890

Size

20 x 25.3 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The preston aisle was endowed by Walter Chapman, who introduced the printing press to Scotland.

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 > Columns

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Protestant churches

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