St Giles, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

3258

Title

St Giles, Edinburgh

Description

The central tower of St Giles cathedral, Edinburgh, with the distinctive crown-shaped pinnacle. The spire is intricately carved with a weather vane at the top. Each side of the tower has three arched windows with a larger arched tracery window beneath. There are many carvings and statues on the roof below.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1890

Size

10.7 x 8.3 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 > Pinnacles

Architecture > Architectural features > Roofs

Architecture > Architectural features > Spires

Architecture > Architectural features > Stone carvings

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals