St Giles' Church with its distinctive crown and
spire is situated in the High Street, part of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh.
It is also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh.
The oldest part of the church dates from around
1120.
Many chapels were added to the church, and in the
mid-16th century, before the Reformation, the church had about fifty
altars.
Reformation
John
Knox was appointed Minister of the Church of St Giles, in 1560, the year
that the Reformed Protestant religion was ratified by Law in Scotland.
The
church underwent major renovations in the 19th century, most recently
1872-83.
Restoration
A £7m restoration plan for St Giles' church
commenced in 1998 and will take about another two years to complete.
Masonry and windows have been restored. The final stage will cover access
and lighting.