Roxburgh's Close, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

12169

Title

Roxburgh's Close, Edinburgh

Artist / maker

Theys, Freddy

Date

2002

Size

32.5 x 13.4 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

'Old Town' is the general name given to the original mediaeval centre of Edinburgh. It consists principally of the Royal Mile and the streets and closes leading from it, including those previously part of the separate burgh of Canongate. It also includes the Cowgate and the Grassmarket. The restricted size of the Old Town necessitated the construction of multi-storey 'lands' from the 1500's onwards, many of which still exist today. Eventually chronic overcrowding led to expansion of the city northwards past the Nor' Loch and southwards beyond the Flodden Wall. The Old Town area has now been classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The 'closes' of Edinburgh's Old Town are narrow passages branching off at right angles from the main streets. They provide access to the tenement buildings, and often to small shared courtyards. Many closes also act as shortcuts between Old Town's main streets.

Freddy Theys is a Belgian engraver of town scenes, botanics and portraits. He visits Scotland annually.

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Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Alleys

Transport > Infrastructure > Steps

Transport > Infrastructure > Street lights

Transport > Infrastructure > Walkways