Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Portugese Cannon
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 23, 2018
1. The Portugese Cannon Marker
Edinburghs First Public Park
Welcome to Calton Hill
The Portugese Cannon
This brass cannon has travelled all over the world. Cast in the early 15th century, with the Royal Arms of Spain on its barrel, the cannon was transported to the Portugese colonies in southeast Asia sometime before 1785.
Then, either by trade or capture, the cannon came into possession of the King of Arakan, ruler of a state on the west coast of Burma. It was subsequently captured by the British during their invasion of Burma in 1885.
In 1886 the cannon was presented to Edinburgh and placed on Calton Hill the following year.
( photo caption )
Philip IV of Spain, 1605 1665, was king when the cannon was thought to have been made
Did you know?
The Portugese Cannon was one of six cannons that once sat on Calton Hill. The others were melted down in 1940 to supply metal for World War II.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1785.
Location. 55° 57.277′ N, 3° 10.986′ W. Marker is in Edinburgh, Scotland. It
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Scotland’s Edinburgh & the Lothians. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, on the Celtic Fringe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nelson Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Dugald Stewart Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Calton Hill (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of Scottish-American Soldiers (about 240 meters away); Adam Smith Grave (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); North Bridge (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Kings Own Scottish Borderers Memorial (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Spire of this Church (approx. 0.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 23, 2018
2. The Portugese Cannon Marker
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 23, 2018
3. The Portugese Cannon
Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 609 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 2, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
