Alison's Close, Cowgate, Before Reconstruction

Category

Library Item

Item no

6321

Title

Alison's Close, Cowgate, before reconstruction

Description

A tenement building in a state of disrepair in Alison's Close, Edinburgh, is above shops at street level.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1922

Size

25.5 x 19.5 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

For image after reconstruction use item number 6322

This photograph is taken from the bound volume 'City of Edinburgh: photographs of housing reconstructions carried out by the corporation'

Alison's Close led north from the Cowgate in Edinburgh, close to the foot of Candlemaker Row. Its entrance was situated adjacent to the Central Public Library.

The Cowgate runs from its junction with St Mary's Street (formerly St Mary's Wynd) and the Pleasance to the Grassmarket. Cattle were driven along this route when entering Edinburgh from grazing land outside the city. The Cowgate Port was a gateway through the Flodden Wall situated at the street's east end.

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Related subjects

Business > Service industry > Shops

Homes > Derelict buildings and excavation sites > Disrepair (homes)

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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