Grassmarket showing foot of West Bow

Category

Library Item

Item no

3512

Title

East end of Grassmarket showing foot of West Bow

Description

The East End of the Grassmarket, Edinburgh is lined with horses, carts and barrels. Washing dries from the tenement windows, which are above shops. A wide cobblestone street lies in front of the buildings.

Artist / maker

Keith, Thomas

Date

1856

Size

25 x 28 cm

Type

Paper negative

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The Grassmarket is an open area situated below Edinburgh Castle at the west end of the Cowgate. It was, for many centuries, an important venue for commercial and social activity in the Old Town. A weekly market was held here from the 15th to the early 20th century. It was also the site of many public executions. The Grassmarket continues to be a popular area for socialising, with a large number of pubs and restaurants.

Edinburgh's West Bow was a zig-zagging street which led up from the Grassmarket to the top of the Lawnmarket. The street was interrupted by the construction of Victoria Street and Terrace between 1829-34. Its lower section joining the Grassmarket remains, and the line of the old street can be followed via a staircase to the Upper Bow. Traffic now follows Victoria Street from the West Bow up to George IV Bridge.

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Related images

Related subjects

Business > Service industry > Shops

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Land > Horse and carts

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