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A BRIEF HISTORY
OF THE GRASSMARKET
The Grassmarket is located centrally
just south of Edinbrugh 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 feilds 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. |
THERE
IS A LOT MORE HISTORY ON...
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