The historic centre of Aberdeen with its ancient Market Cross at the Casatlegate. SCO 6121
The historic centre of Aberdeen with its ancient Market Cross and the magnificent Salvation Army Citadel at one end and the Town House at the other. This Market Cross, built in 1686 by John Montgomery is today considered to be the finest and best preserved os all the 17th century crosses in Scotland having tood in the Castlegate since the days of Robert the Bruce. the market cross (Scots = 'mercat' cross) was the symbol of a burgh's right to trade and was located centrally in the town's market place. Documentary evidence suggests that this monument type existed by at least the 12th century in Scotland, although it is thought that these early examples were wooden. Many of the standing examples date from the 16th and 17th century, but there are also several more elaborate Victorian examples. Some burghs are recorded as having more than one market cross according to the produce sold around their base (eg - the 'Fish Cross' and 'Flesh Cross' in Aberdeen). Documentary evidence, particularly in town council records, also refers to all manner of announcements, celebrations and grizzly punishments carried out at the market cross, prompting Small (1900, 5) to describe their site as 'the dreaded theatre of public punishment and shame'! Today they are a symbol of the burgh's heritage, often seen, little contemplated.
Size: 5620px × 3733px
Location: Market Cross, Casatlegate, Aberdeen, Grampian Region. Scotland
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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