Old Bank Close taken down in 1835

Category

Library Item

Item no

2994

Title

Old Bank Close taken down in 1835

Description

Robet Gourlay's house in Old Bank Close, Edinburgh. In front of the buildings workmen remove rubble. They carry pick-axes and shovels. A wheelbarrow is nearby. Washing dries from windows.

Artist / maker

Wilson, D.

Engraver

Forrest, William

Date

1848

Size

14.9 x 17.6 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Old Bank Close no longer exists. It was situated on the south side of the Lawnmarket, close to its junction with George IV Bridge. It was for a time the location of the Bank of Scotland. It was also the site of an impressive mansion owned by Robert Gourlay, a messenger-at-arms for Holyrood Abbey.

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.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

People > Industry > Labourers

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh