Edinburgh Castle and Old Town

Category

Library Item

Item no

40687

Title

Edinburgh Castle and Old Town

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1945

Size

8.5 x 13.5 cm

Type

Postcard

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Edinburgh Castle is perhaps the city's most famous landmark. It stands on top of the remaining core of an extinct volcano. Excavations suggest the site was inhabited by Bronze Age man as early as 900 BC, and was fortified by Iron Age man roughly 2000 years ago. The oldest part of the present day Castle is St Margaret's Chapel, built in the early 12th century. The Castle holds the Honours of Scotland and more recently has welcomed back the Stone of Scone otherwise known as the Stone of Destiny.

Princes Street is one of the main thoroughfares and shopping areas in Edinburgh. It was created as part of James Craig's New Town development and named in honour of George III's sons. With the exception of St John's Church there is no building on the southern side of Princes Street, allowing spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and Old Town.

Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens were established on the site of the Nor' Loch which was drained during the 18th century. The park was originally for the exclusive use of the residents of Princes Street, but was opened to the public in 1876. The gardens contain various statues of notable figures, as well as the Ross Fountain and Bandstand and the famous Floral Clock.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Edinburgh Castle

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Princes Street

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Princes Street Gardens

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Waverley Station

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh