St Giles Cathedral, tower

Category

Library Item

Item no

7907

Title

St Giles Cathedral, tower

Description

A detailed drawing of the elaborately carved and decorated crown spire of St. Giles Cathedral. A clock can be seen just below the crown of the spire and writing depicting size details appear to the left of the drawing.

Artist / maker

Ross, Thomas

Date

1887

Size

29.6 x 22.7 cm

Type

Pen work

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The writing to the left of the drawing reads:
"From top of parapet to top of final buttresses, 21ft.
Height of masonry from top of parapet about 46ft.
Width of tower at belfry windows 28'-11"".

St Giles Kirk, often called St Giles Cathedral, is situated on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. A church has stood on the site since around 1120-1140, but little remains of the 12th century structure. St Giles played an important part in the Scottish Protestant Reformation with John Knox serving as its minister from 1560 until his death in 1572. The building has experienced significant additions, alterations and restorations during its history. The Thistle Chapel, a private chapel for the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, was added between 1909-11.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Buttresses

Architecture > Architectural features > Spires

Architecture > Architectural features > Stone carvings

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Architecture > Monuments > Sculptures

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

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