St Giles' Cathedral
Edinburgh
St Giles is the main church of Edinburgh, in the heart of the Old Town. Its official name is the High Kirk of Edinburgh, but everyone calls it the cathedral.
A church that grew
The first church on this site was founded in 1124. It was rebuilt in the 14th century, and much of today's church dates from that time. Over the centuries it has been a parish church, a collegiate church and a cathedral. In the mid-1500s its minister was John Knox, a preacher who changed the Church of Scotland.
The tower
The tower has five storeys. At the top, eight stone arches bend towards the centre. This shape dates from the late 1400s and was rebuilt in the 1600s. Inside the tower there is still an old frame of oak timber.
A place for knights
In 1911 the Thistle Chapel was completed, dedicated to the Order of the Thistle. It is an ancient order of knights, the highest honour in Scotland. Its interior is full of coats of arms, stained glass and wood carvings.
The Mercat Cross
Right next to the church is the Mercat Cross, the market cross. It is really a column, on an eight-sided base with a door. A cross on this street is recorded as early as 1365. It was the place for trade and meetings. The one you see was rebuilt in the 1800s with pieces of the 1617 cross.
