Warriston Close looking down to Cockburn Street

Category

Library Item

Item no

2926

Title

Warriston Close looking down to Cockburn Street

Description

Through an archway in Warriston Close, Edinburgh, can be seen the roofs of buildings in Cockburn Street. Steps in the Close are separated by handrails, lights are attached to the walls.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1920

Size

26.6 x 20.7 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Warriston's Close takes its name from Sir Archibald Johnstoun of Warriston, a leading figure in the framing of the National Covenant in 1638. His house, Warriston's Land, was situated on the west side of the close.

Cockburn Street was constructed in the late 1850's to provide better access to Waverley Station from the Old Town and south of Edinburgh.

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

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Walkways