West bow from the Grassmarket

Category

Library Item

Item no

6243

Title

West bow from the Grassmarket

Artist / maker

Geikie, Walter

Date

1827

Size

17.6 x 15 cm

Type

Pencil work

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Edinburgh's West Bow was zig-zagging street which led up from the Grassmarket to the top of the Lawnmarket. The street was interrupted by the construction of Victoria Street and Terrace between 1829-34. Its lower section joining the Grassmarket remains, and the line of the old street can be followed via a staircase to the Upper Bow. Traffic now follows Victoria Street from the West Bow up to George IV Bridge.

The Grassmarket is an open area situated below Edinburgh Castle at the west end of the Cowgate. It was, for many centuries, an important venue for commercial and social activity in the Old Town. A weekly market was held here from the 15th to the early 20th century. It was also the site of many public executions. The Grassmarket continues to be a popular area for socialising, with a large number of pubs and restaurants.

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Related subjects

Places > Edinburgh areas > Grassmarket

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Streets

Transport > Land > Horse and carts