The Ruins of the Cross Kirk can be found just north of the town centre of Peebles. The ruins were once a Trinitarian Priory. The priory was built by King Alexander III of Scotland following the discovery here of a cross and relics of St Nicholas of Myrna.
A fine cross was found on the site of the Cross Kirk in 1241, followed by the discovery of a stone urn containing what some claimed were the remains of St Nicholas. The church was founded there that century to mark the discovery of these sacred items.
The 1200s western doorway is the most significant feature to survive of the church, which stands surrounded by attractive mature Scots pine.
The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.