St Giles Church from the Parliament Close

Category

Library Item

Item no

3263

Title

St Giles Church from the Parliament Close

Description

A view of St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh from Parliament Close, with the central tower of the cathedral and distinctive crown-shaped spire prominent on the skyline. In front of the cathedral are luckenbooths, and the corner of the Old Tolbooth can be seen on the left. There is a group of three men standing outside the Tolbooth. Meanwhile, an equestrian statue stands in the centre of the square.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Engraver

Unknown

Date

1810

Size

11.2 x 13.6 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Annotation below title reads 'for the Scots mag. & Edin.r Lit.y misc.y'

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 > Spires

Architecture > Monuments > Statues

Business > Service industry > Luckenbooths

People > Adults > Men

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

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