The High Street forms part of Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, running from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This view looks down towards the palace. A horse and a cart can be traced in the background, although they are obscured by the grain of the image (an issue caused by the use of paper negatives in the calotype process). John Knox’s house on the left, behind the well, is one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh and was reputed to be the home of the famous protestant reformer. However, it is unlikely that he ever actually lived there.