Cowgate

Category

Library Item

Item no

8074

Title

Cowgate, looking through arch of George IV Bridge, Edinburgh

Description

The pillars of the arches supporting George IV Bridge are on either side of the road along the Cowgate, Edinburgh. On either side of the road are shops and houses, the houses being in a rundown state. Outside the shops are goods, displayed on the pavement and cobblestone road.

Artist / maker

Clark, William Donaldson

Date

1864

Size

22.8 x 30.3 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

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.

George IV Bridge was designed by Thomas Hamilton. It was constructed in 1829-34 to improve access to Edinburgh's Old Town from the rapidly developing Southside. This elevated street runs from the junction of Candlemaker Row and Chambers Street to the Lawnmarket, passing over the Cowgate and Merchant Street. The National Library of Scotland and the Central Public Library stand almost directly opposite each other roughly half way along the street. A memorial statue to Greyfriars' Bobby stands at the south end of the bridge at the junction with Candlemaker Row.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Arches

Business > Service industry > Shops

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Roads

Transport > Infrastructure > Stone bridges

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