The South Prospect of Edinburgh Castle

Category

Library Item

Item no

416

Title

The south prospect of Edinburgh Castle

Description

A man leads two heavily laden horses through an open grassy area outside of Edinburgh city walls. The walls surround the buildings of the Old Town. A flag flies from the Castle which dominates the scene.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1773

Size

25.6 x 41.5 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This print is copied from a view of Edinburgh Castle by John Slezer featured in the 1693 work 'Theatrum Scotiæ'. The view has been populated with figures in contemporary dress. The goat in the foreground and flag flying over the castle are also additions to Slezer's work.

Edinburgh Castle stands on a volcanic plug. It has been used as a fortification since the Iron Age. The oldest part of the present day castle is St Margaret's Chapel which dates from 1093. The Castle holds the Honours of Scotland and more recently has welcomed back the Stone of Scone otherwise known as the Stone of Destiny.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Walls

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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