Edinburgh Castle by Moonlight from the Grassmarket

Category

Library Item

Item no

509

Title

Edinburgh Castle by moonlight from the Grassmarket

Description

Watercolour of Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket on a moonlit night. The moonlight reflects off the wet streets and the silhouettes of two men pushing a barrow and a woman walking in the opposite direction can be seen.

Artist / maker

Blair, John

Date

1890

Size

20 x 26 cm.

Type

Watercolour

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

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.

The Grassmarket is a central area situated below Edinburgh Castle. It has been the site of many public executions. A weekly market was held there from 1477 until 1911. The Grassmarket continues to be a popular area for socialising.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.