Tower of St Giles from Parliament House

Category

Library Item

Item no

3540

Title

Tower of St Giles from Parliament House

Description

The top of St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh as seen from the roof of Parliament House. Most prominent is the crown spire and clock tower. The edge of Parliament house roof is lined with a carved stone balustrade and two sphinxes.

Artist / maker

Keith, Thomas

Date

1856

Size

27.8 x 25.2 cm

Type

Paper negative

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

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.

Parliament House stands immediately to the south of St Giles Kirk. It was constructed between 1632-40, at Charles I's instruction, to house the Scottish Parliament. It continued in this role, with the interruption of Cromwell's interregnum, until the Act of Union in 1707. It now houses the Court of Session. The original frontage of the building is concealed behind an early 19th Century façade designed by Robert Reid. Inside the building the original Parliament Hall is notable for its oak hammerbeam roof and a large stained glass window.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Roofs

Architecture > Monuments > Statues

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

Religion > Religious facilities > Protestant churches

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