St Giles' Church

Category

Library Item

Item no

3820

Title

St Giles' Church

Description

St Giles High Kirk, Edinburgh with tracery windows, tower and crown spire. A well head can be seen in front of the church and the spire of the Tron Kirk can be seen in the background.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1850

Size

15.5 x 19.9 cm

Type

Salted paper print

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This image has been chosen for the Edinburgh - Past and Present Exhibition by the Rt Hon George Grubb, Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost of Edinburgh - "An obvious choice for a retired minister. St Giles' plays an important part in the life of the City and the local community. This popular tourist attraction embodies much of the city's turbulent past, yet it remains a living building, a working church for the people of Edinburgh, and the location for many civic services which I attend as Lord Provost" George Grubb.

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 images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Spires

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

Religion > Religious facilities > Protestant churches

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