Parliament House from the Cowgate

Category

Library Item

Item no

3300

Title

Parliament House from the Cowgate

Description

Parliament House can be seen at the top of a tall set of steps that lead up from the Cowgate, Edinburgh. It has a series of arched windows. On either side of the stone steps rise tall tenement buildings, many of which have washing hanging from the windows. In the courtyard at the foot of the stairs many people are going about their daily chores; a lady is pouring water from a bucket; another is washing in a large tub; whilst a man prepares to hit his donkey.

Artist / maker

Storer, H. S.

Engraver

Storer, J. & H.

Date

1819

Size

12.5 x 8 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

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.

The Cowgate runs from its junction with St Mary's Street (formerly St Mary's Wynd) and the Pleasance to the Grassmarket. It was the route by which cattle were driven into town from outside Edinburgh. The Cowgate Port was a gateway through the Flodden wall (City Wall).

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Related subjects

Animals > Mammals > Donkeys

Architecture > Architectural features > Stairways

Furnishings > Equipment > Laundry

Government > National > Courthouses

Government > National > Parliaments

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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