St Giles Cathedral & Thistle Chapel, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

3138

Title

St Giles Cathedral & Thistle Chapel, Edinburgh

Description

St Giles Cathedral on the High Street, Edinburgh, with the Thistle chapel visible. In front of the building is a statue.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1921

Size

8.9 x 13.6 cm

Type

Photograph; Postcard

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The Thistle Chapel was designed by Sir Robert Stodart Lorimer, and added to the south-east corner of St Giles Kirk in 1909-11. It is a private chapel for the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, hosting its ceremonies and services. The Order of the Thistle is the highest honour in Scotland. Opinions vary as to its origins, but the order certainly dates from at least the 15th century, and possibly as far back as the 9th. The honour fell out of use around the time of the Reformation and was revived first by James II and VII in 1687, and then again by Queen Anne in 1703. The order is bestowed on Scottish men and women who have held public office or made a significant contribution to the nation.

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 > Monuments > Statues

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals