French Ambassador’s Chapel, Cowgate. Taken Down 1829.

This original antique steel engraving depicts the French Ambassador’s Chapel in the Cowgate, Edinburgh — one of the most historically fascinating and diplomatically significant buildings ever to stand in Scotland’s capital — as it appeared before its demolition in 1829.

Drawn by Sir Daniel Wilson from a sketch by D. Somerville and engraved by T. Steuart for his landmark work Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time, published in 1848, this print preserves the memory of a building with a remarkable history rooted in the ancient alliance between Scotland and France.

The French Ambassador’s Chapel in the Cowgate served as the official place of Catholic worship for the French diplomatic mission to Scotland during the 16th and 17th centuries, a period when the Auld Alliance between the two kingdoms was at its height and Edinburgh was home to a significant French diplomatic and merchant community.

Its survival into the 19th century, and its eventual demolition in 1829, marked the end of a tangible physical connection to one of the most important diplomatic relationships in Scottish history.

That Wilson drew this from D. Somerville’s earlier sketch — the building having been demolished nearly two decades before publication — underlines the urgency of his mission to preserve Edinburgh’s most historically significant lost buildings for future generations. The thin paper of this print has separated from its original thicker backing sheet, though both elements remain present.

Subscript: Lower Left: D. Wilson from a Sketch by D. Somerville. Lower Right: T. Steuart. Lower Center: French Ambassador’s Chapel. Cowgate. Taken Down 1829.

Author: Sir Daniel Wilson, F. R. S. S. A. (1816–1892)

Publication: Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time. By Daniel Wilson, F. S. S. A. Acting Secretary to the Society of the Antiquaries of Scotland.

Volume: 2

Publisher: Hugh Paton / Simpkin, Marshall, & Co.

Place of Publication: Adam Square, Edinburgh / London

Date: 1848

Artist: Sir Daniel Wilson, F. R. S. S. A. (1816–1892) after a sketch by D. Somerville

Engraver: T. Steuart

Page Number: Between pages 108–109

Paper Dimensions: 9 ⅞ x 12 ¼ inches

Medium: Steel Engraving

Language: English

Coloured: Black and white

Condition: The print is in great condition with some very minor wear around the edges, as can be seen. The print is on a thin paper which was originally adhered to a thicker paper for publication; however, the adhesive is no longer holding and the two sheets have separated.

Reference: Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time, HathiTrust Digital Library