Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, St Giles' has been a landmark since 1160, though today's Gothic exterior is largely 18th-century.

The church's long and colourful history has included dozens of royal functions as well as some more interesting rebellious activity.

The Scottish Reformation

St Giles' was the key location from which Scottish protestant leader John Knox launched and directed the Scottish Reformation. There was further uprising in 1637 when local stall holder Jenny Geddes hurled her stool at a preacher who wanted to introduce the English Prayer Book – which led to the rest of the congregation chasing the clergyman away. A tablet in the north aisle marks the spot where Jenny let fly.

Roof supports

Other highlights around the building include the four massive 12th-century supports on which the church's extravagant crown spire (1485) rests.