Old Town, Edinburgh, from Scott's Monument

Category

Library Item

Item no

3050

Title

Old Town, Edinburgh, from Scott's Monument

Description

In the view are Edinburgh landmarks that include Waverley Station and Bridge and the Old Town where the top of St Giles Cathedral can be seen. Buildings such as hotels and a newspaper office are visible as are the sheds of the railway and some advertisements.

Artist / maker

Wilson, George Washington

Date

1881

Size

10 x 15.5 cm

Type

Photograph

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 Scott Monument was built as a memorial to the writer Sir Walter Scott. Construction took place between 1840-1846 on the George Kemp design. Two hundred and eighty seven steps take you to the top, offering views along Edinburgh's Princes Street.

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Related images

Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Places > Edinburgh areas > Princes Street

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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