St Giles Church

Category

Library Item

Item no

615

Title

St Giles Church

Description

A large church building with tall spire. The crown-shaped spire has a weather vane on top. There are clock faces on the visible sides of the tower. The kirk has buttresses and large arched windows. A cross is above one of the windows. People stand in front of the small shops or luckenbooths beside the cathedral.

Artist / maker

Skene, James

Date

1817

Size

16 x 22 cm.

Type

Wash drawing

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The artist has annotated the drawing 'High Church, Edinburgh'.

St Giles Kirk, often called St Giles Cathedral, is situated on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. A church has stood on the site since around 1120-1140, but little remains of the 12th century structure. St Giles played an important part in the Scottish Protestant Reformation with John Knox serving as its minister from 1560 until his death in 1572. The building has experienced significant additions, alterations and restorations during its history. The Thistle Chapel, a private chapel for the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, was added between 1909-11.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Business > Service industry > Luckenbooths

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > St Giles Cathedral

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

Religion > Religious facilities > Protestant churches

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.