The Mercat Cross, Castlegate
DesignerDesigned by
John Montgomery
Date1686
Object NameCross
Mediumsandstone
ClassificationsSculptures
Object numberABDCC001143
About MeThe Mercat Cross is situated on Castle Street at the centre of the pedestrianised area. It was designed and made from sandstone by John Montgomery in1686.
Excluding the cost of the materials, the Mercat Cross was built for a fee of £1200 Scots. The decorative hexagonal base features six arches with pillars at each corner, animal gargoyles and medallions. Ten of the twelve medallions illustrate Stewart monarchs ; namely James I to James V, Mary Queen of Scot s, James VI , Charles I and II and James VII with the remaining two showing the Royal arms and the burgh's arms. Positioned above the parapet on a Corinthian capital is the white marble unicorn with a gilded horn .The shaft and unicorn are replacements from the mid 1990s; the originals are on display in theTolbooth. The Mercat Cross (the Market Cross) was a place where people gathered for markets, public punishments and Royal proclamations.
The cross is a six sided hexagonal shape with 6 ionic columns between each arch. The lower half of the cross is less decorative than the above. Hanging arrangements of fruit in relief decorate the archways. Six gargoyles in the shape of beasts' heads are placed above each of the columns. Acanthus leaves, flat decorative human heads and birds' heads form a frieze which continues around the cross. The pinnacle contains relief heads of state, solely the bust framed in a laurel wreath. The interior is reached by three steps between each arch and features granite flagstones and a central column. The roof is fan vaulted, painted white and lit by four circular roof lights.
Late 17th century
