Timber-fronted houses, Cowgate

Category

Library Item

Item no

9541

Title

Timber-fronted houses, Cowgate

Description

Looking down from a cobbled side street we can see a house with washing drying from the windows. Three people are visible at the upstairs windows. A sign on the shop below reads 'J. McCormick, Broker'. A street lamp is fixed to the wall.

Artist / maker

Burns, Archibald

Date

1868

Size

10.5 x 8.5 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This image has been chosen for the Edinburgh - Past and Present Exhibition by Professor Charles McKean, University of Dundee - 'A glimpse of ancient Edinburgh a large city with ranks of venerable houses, all extended at different periods, some with timber jetteyed gables, piled up towering above each other. By that time, the Cowgate had become the poorest quarter of the city - hence the pawnbroker's shop. Two girls in the upper floor appear to be amusing themselves at Burns' expense.' Charles McKean.

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

Business > Service industry > Shops

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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