"Bit" in Bull's Close, Cowgate

Category

Library Item

Item no

9542

Title

"Bit" in Bull's Close, Cowgate

Description

A section of Bull's Close in Edinburgh showing dilapidated buildings. The houses have been built from different materials, with a wooden structure standing beside a stone building. The stone building is whitewashed and has a small external staircase. In the foreground we can see a chimney and a slate covered roof.

Artist / maker

Burns, Archibald

Date

1868

Size

10.6 x 8.6 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This image has been chosen for the Edinburgh - Past and Present Exhibition by the Rt. Rev. Sheilagh Kesting, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland- "Although the slums have been removed from the city centre we must not forget that poverty has not disappeared from the city. Eradicating it remains a challenge" The Rt. Rev. Sheilagh Kesting.

Various closes in Edinburgh's Old Town have borne the name Bull's Close. The close pictured here is one of two of this name situated towards the east end of the Cowgate.

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 images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Chimneys

Architecture > Architectural features > Roofs

Architecture > Architectural features > Stairways

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

(55°56′56″N, 3°11′4″W)

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