West entrance to the Parliament Square

Category

Library Item

Item no

3260

Title

West entrance to the Parliament Square, showing part of St Giles Cathedral

Description

A drawing showing some of the tall buildings of Parliament Square including part of St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh. There is a doorway with intricate stone carvings above and five steps leading up to it. A man stands on the steps, he is wearing a top hat and tailcoat, and carrying a walking cane. A man waits at the bottom of the steps. There are two men talking to each other and another stands in the distance.

Artist / maker

Somerville, Daniel

Date

1823

Size

26.3 x 13.8 cm

Type

Pencil work

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Parliament Square in Edinburgh is situated immediately to the north of the former Parliament House, now home to the Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session. It was formed along with Parliament House around 1640 on the kirkyard of St Giles. This burial ground, which largely fell out of use in the mid sixteenth century, is the resting place of the prominent religious reformer John Knox. The appearance of the buildings surrounding the square was substantially altered in the 19th century by the addition of frontages designed by Robert Reid.

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 > Doors and doorways

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Walking sticks

People > Adults > Men

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

Transport > Infrastructure > Steps

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