Old Photograph High Street Dundee Scotland

Old photograph of the High Street, Dundee, Scotland. The High Street existed by at least the 13th century. It gradually grew in importance as the original settlement spread westwards from Seagait. The Tron, Tolbooth and Market Cross were all sited here by the 15th century. It was the town's market place, its earlier names were The Cross, Highgait and Marketgait, then High Street by 1876. At its east end was the site of the town Shambles or slaughterhouse and butchers market in the 16th century. This was removed to the area of the foreshore when the Trades Hall was built in 1776, designed by Samuel Bell, the Town's architect. This gave tradesmen a meeting place under cover in place of their former open air Howff. It had shops on the ground floor with the principal rooms on the first. Demolished in 1878 and leaving exposed the Clydesdale Bank which was originally behind it. The opportunity was taken to widen both Murraygate and Seagate. The Mercat Cross was moved at least twice before its modern reproduction, but still featuring its 1586 carved shaft, which now stands in front of the City Churches.



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