Highstreet, Edinburg, Schottland.

Title

Highstreet, Edinburg, Schottland.

Description

Fine hand-colored panoramic view of Edinburgh, Scotland, with Edinburgh Castle prominently depicted.

ca. 1845

Artist

Kunstanstalt Hildburghausen (1828-1874)

The German publishing company Bibliographisches Institut was founded 1826 in Gotha by Joseph Meyer, moved 1828 to Hildburghausen and 1874 to Leipzig. Its production over the years includes such well-known titles as Meyers Lexikon.

Historical Description

Edinburgh has been the political and cultural centre of Scotland for centuries. The city developed around the impressive Castle Rock, on which Edinburgh Castle stands today. Castle Rock was already inhabited in prehistoric times. In the 7th century, the fortress came under Anglo-Saxon rule. During the Middle Ages, Edinburgh became increasingly important. By the 15th century, it had effectively become the capital of Scotland. The famous Royal Mile developed between the castle and the royal Palace of Holyroodhouse. The densely built Old Town, with its narrow streets and alleyways, largely dates back to this period. In the 16th century, Edinburgh played an important role in Scotland’s religious and political conflicts. The Scottish queen Mary Stuart (Mary, Queen of Scots) lived for a time at Holyrood Palace. In 1707, England and Scotland were united to form the Kingdom of Great Britain through the Acts of Union. Edinburgh lost its own Scottish Parliament but remained an important centre of law, education, and science.