Prospect of the Gray Friers [Greyfriars] Kirk

Category

Library Item

Item no

5413

Title

Prospect of the Gray Friers [Greyfriars] Kirk, Edinburgh, from the south west

Description

Many people have congregated in the grounds surrounding Greyfriars Kirk.

Artist / maker

Elphinstone, John

Engraver

Parr

Date

1740

Size

19.7 x 31.2 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This image is taken from a volume in our collections entitled, "Fifteen Views of the most remarkable buildings of the City of Edinburgh by the Honorable J. Elphinstone" which unfortunately is not complete or in its original condition.
The images from this volume are credited to John Elphinstone although there is some uncertainty around the authorship of some of the pictures. The first three in the volume, (‘A view of the new-bridge of Edinburgh, with the adjacent buildings of the Old and New-Town’, ‘A view of the abby - church in ruins, from the north west’ and ‘A view of St. Roques - Church in ruins from the north east’) have a slightly different feel and style to the rest of the images and the image of the original North Bridge pre-dates the bridge itself.

For further information, please view the exhibition page for The "most remarkable buildings of the city of Edinburgh" by the Honorable J. Elphinstone.

Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh takes its name from early associations with the Franciscan Order (otherwise known as the Grey Friars). The church was built in around 1620. In 1638 it was the site of the signing of the National Covenant, a document pledging to defend the Presbyterian Church against Charles I unwanted innovations.

Greyfriars Kirk was damaged by fire in both 1845 and 1857.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Protestant churches

Sport and leisure > Activities > Speaking