| A BRIEF
HISTORY OF THE GRASSMARKET |
The
Grassmarket is located centrally just south of Edinburgh
Castle. The valley was carved by glaciers during
the ice-age and the area was originally designed
to accommodate the horse and cattle markets held
here weekly from 1477-1911.
Cattle would be driven from
the surrounding fields through THE COWGATE in the east
and WEST PORT gate to the West.
The area
was also used to conduct public hangings, notably
those of the Covenanters in the late 17th Century
but also Captain John Porteous and Maggie Dickson
who miraculously survived the noose.
Frequented in the past by historic figures such as
Robert Burns and Wordsworth, today The Grassmarket
serves as a convenient meeting point for locals and
visitors alike who enjoy fashionable shops, bars and
restaurants whilst soaking up the medieval atmosphere
of the ancient marketplace with splendid views of the
nearby castle.
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There's much
more Edinburgh history on
www.royal-mile.com/history |