Vue du Chateau d' Edimbourg (from the Grassmarket)

Category

Library Item

Item no

530

Title

Vue du Chateau d' Edimbourg (from the Grassmarket)

Description

Groups of people pause to talk in the wide cobblestone street bound by houses and other buildings below Edinburgh Castle. The thoroughfare is also being used by horses and carts and a heavily laden donkey makes slow progress.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Engraver

Basset

Date

1790

Size

30 x 42 cm.

Type

Engraving

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 Vennel is a street leading from Lauriston Place to West Port. Vennel is a Scots word meaning 'steep lane'.
This view reflects the affluence of the Vennel, with the house of Thomas Boreland, Keeper of the King's Stables, to the left. By the early 19th century the area was populated by immigrant labourers.

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.

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Related images

Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Land > Horse and carts

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