John Knox House
by Yvonne Johnstone
Title
John Knox House
Artist
Yvonne Johnstone
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
John Knox was a 16th century Protestant Reformer. The house is certainly one of the oldest in Edinburgh, mostly built in the mid-16th century, but with parts dating back to 1470. On the ground floor there are remnants of medieval ‘luckenbooths’, or locked booths, once rented out as shops.
At the corner of the building, between the ground and first floors, is a figure of Moses kneeling on top of a sundial. On the image of the sun next to him are the Greek, Latin and English words for God. The figure used to have a miniature pulpit below him, so that he resembled John Knox preaching. Tradition says a small window on the first floor was once used by Knox, leaning out to preach at people in the street.
In 1556 Mariota Arres and her wealthy husband, goldsmith James Mossman lived here. Their coat of arms and initials still decorate the outside of the house, along with the biblical inscription ‘Luve God abuve al and yi nychtbour as yi self’.
Mossman, a confirmed Catholic and supporter of Mary Queen of Scots, found himself caught up in the religious turmoil of the times. In 1571 he lost all his possessions, was sacked from his position as master of the Royal Mint, and charged with treason. In 1573 following the surrender of Mary’s supporters, he was arrested, dragged on a cart from Holyrood to the Mercat Cross, and hanged.
Uploaded
March 5th, 2019
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