Edinburgh Castle from the Grassmarket

Category

Library Item

Item no

499

Title

Edinburgh Castle from the Grassmarket

Description

Above the roofs of buildings in the Old Town of Edinburgh are the battlements and buildings of Edinburgh Castle. A horse and cart travels along the road that cuts through the buildings below.

Artist / maker

Collins, William

Date

1820

Size

24 x 27 cm.

Type

Pencil work

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Edinburgh Castle stands on a volcanic plug. It has been used as a fortification since the Iron Age. The oldest part of the present day castle is St Margaret's Chapel which dates from 1093. The Castle holds the Honours of Scotland and more recently has welcomed back the Stone of Scone otherwise known as the Stone of Destiny.

The Grassmarket is a central area situated below Edinburgh Castle. It has been the site of many public executions. A weekly market was held there from 1477 until 1911. The Grassmarket continues to be a popular area for socialising.

Find out more about visiting Edinburgh Castle at Historic Environment Scotland.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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