Field Visit
Date 16 October 2002
Event ID 613804
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/613804
Small floriated cross, with reliefs of Canongate arms back and front, surmounts an octagonal pillar with castellated top. All on a stepped octagonal three-tiered base and two octagonal steps below. Set in paved and gravelled area to side of church. Bronze dated plaque with Canongate arms on front of central octagonal base.
The base is the one provided for the Mercat Cross in the High Street in 1866 which was replaced in 1885.
In the 16th century this mercat cross stood in the middle of the street opposite the Council Chambers. Moved in 1737 to the Tolbooth wall; in 1888 it was resited with new base, capital and cross-head in the Canongate Churchyard (to the west of the entrance). It was placed in its present site in 1953.
The arms of the Canongate, a stag's head with a cross between its antlers, refers to the legendary vision of King David I.
The shaft was possibly based on that of the High Street Mercat Cross.
Inspected By : D. King
Inscriptions : Raised dates on bronze plaque: 1128 / 1888
On ribbon on plaque below shield (raised letters): SIC ITUR AD ASTRA
Signatures : None
Design period : 16th century and 1888
Year of unveiling : 1953
Information from Public Monuments and Sculpture Association (PMSA Work Ref : EDIN1311)
