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  • Upper Bow | Royal Mile | All About Edinburgh

    Upper Bow is at the junction of johnston Terrace Castlehill and Lawnmarket. The Upper Bow was part of the West Bow a street that linked the Old town with the Grassmarket. Now it is a street with steps to access the West Bow. Attractions are all around this area. Upper Bow Attractions Royal Mile Edinburgh The Upper Bow was part of the West Bow which was a steep road that linked the Grassmarket to Castlehill. The West Bow now ends at Victoria Street and steps take you to the Upper Bow and Victoria Terrace which is a balcony walkway that is above the old West Bow. The map show the present road layout with the Upper Bow, West Bow, Johnston Terrace, Castlehill, and Lawnmarket. The map can be found at the foot of the Upper Bow. St Columba's Free Church St Columba's Free Church is a Victorian Gothic building built in 1846 for a congregation of the Old Town's poor founded by the Rev. John Alexander, a mission priest. The day school beneath the church fed and educated up to 200 boys and girls until the 1870’s The first picture below shows the Upper Bow steps that go down to the west bow and Victoria Street. The centre picture is the steps from West Bow to Upper Bow and Victoria Terrace. The last Picture is looking up the West Bow from the Grassmarket. Victoria Terrace Victoria Terrace and Victoria Street are part of the New Town. They were built when George IV Bridge was built 1845 - 1866. It is on the line of the original city wall circa 1450 ta part of which can be seen off the Grassmarket. Quaker House The building with arches on Victoria Terrace was built in 1866 as the United Original Secession Church it closed in 1900 and and later in 1988 became the Quaker Meeting house. On the south side of the Street is India Buildings built 1866. 1-6 Victoria Street, was occupied by the British Linen Bank, the Scottish Chamber of Agriculture, and the Geological Survey of Scotland. In 2022 the Vigin Hotel opened, on construction there were many medieval artifacts, ruins of previous buildings found dating to the 10th century. Inscription 'Dominus Providebit.' The Lord Will Provide Next - Lawnmarket Royal Mile

  • Barnton & Cammo | Edinburgh Attractions | All About Edinburgh

    Barnton at one time was outside of Edinburgh and became a commuting village with Cramond. Now it is a area of mainly large detached houses. Not far from Cammo on the other side of the main route Barnton attractons, the oldest established Golf Club in the world. Barnton and Cammo Edinburgh Barnton Edinburgh The Royal Burgess Golfing Society (The Burghers) 1735 The Royal Burgess Golfing Society near Cramond the Oldest Golf Club in the world. There were six golf clubs that played their golf at Bruntsfield Links of which The Burghers were one, they were the first to be instituted in 1735 the club house the Old Golf Tavern was used by all clubs. circa 1780 the society became known as the Edinburgh Burgess Golfing Society and by Royal Edict dated 30 September 1929 His Majesty King George V commanded that the name be changed to The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh. The Club moved to its present home at Barnton in 1895 designed by a Musselburgh Golfer Willie Park Jnr who won the open Championship in 1887 and 1889. His family were golfers, his father Willie Park Snr won the first Open in 1860 and also in 1863, 1866 and 1875 and his uncle Mungo Park won in 1874 The Royal Burgess Golfing Society Instituted in 1735. The Plaque shows golfers of the original Burghers at Bruntsfield Links where they first played for a silver putter. The Burghers now The Royal Burgess is the oldest golf club in the world. The first Golf Club House being Ye Old Golf Tavern. Barnton Quarry (The Secret Bunker) Presently under construction to be a visitor site The Secret Bunker can be found just off Clermiston Road North there is a small car park at the side of the road and it is a short walk to the Bunker. This was one of the largest underground military installations in the UK. The purpose of the bunker was to house a radar detection unit and Royal Air Force fighter response command protecting the UK from Russian long range nuclear threats. This facility was a national secret installation for many years. There were 3 other similar sites in the UK Kelvedon Hatch (London), Shipton (Yorkshire), Bawburgh (Norfolk) These 4 sites were the top of the Radar command. Cammo Cammo Edinburgh Cammo House Ruins Nature Reserve Edinburgh Cammo House was built in the early part of the 1690s by a John Menzies a wealthy businessman and was later sold to Sir John Clerk in 1710. Sir John Clerk with an interest in landscaping set out the gardens of Cammo house over the next several years. The house is now a ruin and the lands are now open to the public. Things to look for are the ruin of Cammo House, the said to be oldest and largest Ash tree in Edinburgh, the East Lodge, Cammo Tower, The Cammo Stane and if very lucky the Ghosts of Cammo House. Cammo Ancient Tree Planted 1854 Cammo Nature Reserve Cammo Stables Cammo Standing Stone Cammo Canal Cammo Water Tower Cammo water tower was built in the 1870’s and supplied Cammo house with water. The water was run by a pump by a windmill that was on top of the Tower which is no longer there. Cramond

  • Arthur Seat | King's Park | All About Edinbugh

    Arthur Seat is an exstinct volcano in the King's Park Edinburgh 822 feet high ( 250.6 m). With three lochs a chapel two wells and evedence of a Roman Fort you will not be alone on the hill as it has visiting walkers every day whatever the weather. Arthur Seat Attractions Edinburgh Arthur Seat in Gaelic was originally pronounced ARD- NA –SAID. It was a volcano that has shaped the land of Edinburgh for over 1000 years. Arthur Seat rises above the city to a height of 822 feet and provides excellent panoramic views of the city. It is a favourite place for visitors to climb as it is relatively easy to climb and is popular for hill walking. You can climb Arthur Seat from almost any direction. The easiest is from the east. Enter at Duddingston gates where there are steps for the first part then a grassy slope rises above Dunsapie Loch to the summit. The Radical Road is a footpath which will take you along the top of the slope immediately under Salisbury Crags which has long been a popular walk, giving a view over the city. It became known as the Radical Road after it was paved in the aftermath of the Radical War of 1820. The beacon was erected at the top of the hill in 1688. Arthur’s Seat also has a particular significance to the history of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints as this is where the nation of Scotland was dedicated in 1840 for the preaching of the gospel. The apostle Orson Pratt of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The Mormons) arrived in Scotland in early 1840 and climbed the hill to pray to god for more converts. There is a road that runs around the hill and you can see the three lochs. Arthur Seat Attractions Edinburgh St Anthony's Chapel Saint Anthony’s Chapel stands on The Fairies or Haggis Knowe overlooking St Margaret’s Loch. The Chapel could have been built as early as the 14th Century, as it was reported that the Pope gave a donation for repairs in 1426. Swans and Ducks have been kept in the Loch since as early as the 16th Century. It was also place Royals would go boating and later it was available to hire a rowing boat for recreational boating. St Anthony's Well Arthur Seat Edinburgh The beginning of a freshwater stream that was said to have healing properties can be found in the hill close to St Anthony’s Chapel on Arthur Seat in Edinburgh. The water once flowed from under the boulder but is now dry. A tradition in Edinburgh is on the first day in May to climb to the top of Arthur Seat and wash your face in the dew at sunrise and make a wish at St Anthony’s Well. This was to give eternal beauty and to celebrate the gathering of the May Dew. The stream now flows into Saint Margaret’s Loch from Saint Margaret’s Well. Saint Margaret's Well Arthur Seat Edinburgh The unique well house on Arthur Seat below the pathway to the top of the hill dates circa 1480. Originally it was at restalrig Church designed on a copy of St Triduana's isle. It was removed from its first sit, which was then encroached upon by a railway depot, and was reconstructed in its present position near a natural spring. Saint Triduana Saint Triduana was born in the Greece and was believed to have journeyed with Rule a holy man from the area of Patras in Greece in the 4th century AD. Rule deciding to stop the Romans from seizing the bones of Saint Andrew and took as many bones as he could and travelled as far from Greece as possible ending his journey in Scotland. Triduana settled in Scotland and due to her great beauty attracted the attentions of many men. One in particular was Nectan King of the Picts. Triduana to stop the King’s attention she is said to have torn out her own eyes and gave them to the King. As Saint Triduana aged she settled in an area outside an area known as Eidyn later to be known as Edinburgh. Many people made pilgrimages to see her as she was believed to have the power to make the blind see. On her death in Restalrig a shrine was built in her honour and was intact until the reformation in the 1500. There are many stories of the blind praying to Saint Triduana and regaining their sight. St Margaret's well previously known as St Triduana's Well before the well was moved to its present position. Saint Triduana Three Lochs On Arthur Seat There are three lochs that surround Arthur’s seat, Duddingston Loch, Dunsapie Loch (where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army rested overnight prior to the battle of Prestonpans) and St Margaret’s Loch, the later where you can feed the birds and Climb to St Anthony’s Chapel and St Anthony’s well which is said to give good fortune. St Margaret’s Loch Arthur Seat St Margaret’s Loch was named after Queen Margaret mother to David I. Swans and Duck have been kept in the Loch since as early as the 16th Century and it was also a place that boating was available circa 50 years ago. The beginning of a freshwater stream that was said to have healing properties can be found in the hill close to St Anthony’s Chapel on Arthur Seat in Edinburgh. Dunsapie Loch Edinburgh Dunsapie Loch is where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army camped before they marched the next day to fight the English at the battle of Prestonpans on the 21 September 1745. After defeating Sir John Cope and Government troops the Jacobite force lead by Charlie continued the reclaiming of Britain for the Stuarts. They reached as far as Derby by December before turning back. They were eventually defeated at the hands of the English lead by the Duke of Cumberland, at Culloden on the 16 April 1746 and the end of the rebellion to over through the Hanoverian king and regain the British throne for the Stuarts was over. The final Jacobite uprising. Duddingston Village Duddingston Loch at Dodin's Village (Duddingston Village) dates back to the 1100s and replaced Treverlen the name of the landowners of the area. An earlier settlement may lay buried beyond the car park next to the gate. Duddingston Loch is a nature reserve with swans, geese, ducks and otters. It was previously used for ice skating curling and boating. There is a famous painting by Sir Henry Raeburn of a minister skating on the Duddingston Loch. In the days that it was cold enough for the lochs to freeze. See outer areas for more on Duddingston Village. The Muschat's Cairn Dukes Walk, Queens Park Edinburgh MUSCHAT’S CAIRN can be found at the side of Dukes walk (named after James Duke of Albany) across from St Margaret’s Loch in Holyrood Park. The Cairn commemorates an event in 1720 when Nichol Muschat a surgeon dragged his wife to a place nearby the place the Cairn was erected and brutally murdered her. He was caught tried and hanged for his crime. At his trial the reason he gave for the brutal death was that he had simply tired of her. A Cairn consists of boulders piled together. The Muschat Cairn was erected in 1823 replacing an earlier Cairn which had been removed in the 1700s. The earlier Cairn was formed over several years by the tradition of laying stones in a pile each stone showing the people’s horror and disgust of the brutal deed. Radical Road Arthur Seat Edinburgh The Radical Road is a pathway that goes around Salisbury Crags and has long been a popular walk, giving a view over the city. It became known as the Radical Road after it was paved in the aftermath of the Radical War of 1820, using the labour of the unemployed weavers on the suggestion of King George IV on his visit to Edinburgh in 1822. Coffins of Arthur Seat It was in June 1836 when a number of boys out hunting for rabbits on the slopes of Arthur's Seat found 17 miniature coffins on the north east slope. The coffins were of figures hand carved, dressed in clothing in the miniature coffins. The meaning of the coffins has never been unearthed unlike the coffins some say it was witch craft others say a memorial to the 17 victims of Burke and Hare. No one knows. The surviving coffins are in the National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street Edinburgh. The route up Arthur Seat Edinburgh from Holyrood Park Road entrance. ARTHUR SEAT EDINBURGH The easiest way up is from Duddingston Loch. At the side of the car park as you enter a Queens Park just past Duddingston Kirk there is a flight of steps which take you to the road that circles Arthur Seat and a well-placed bench awaits, for a rest, before the final climb, on an easy grass slope to the top. You can also climb to the top from the entrance at Holyrood Park Road There is a road that you can cycle, walk or drive that goes around Arthur Seat, which you can access from the East side of St Margaret’s Loch, which is to the left of Holyrood House Palace as you enter the Queen's Park from Horse Wynd. You can also see St Margaret’s Well and the steps to the start of the Radical Road across from the car park at the side of Horse Wynd. If you follow the road that passes above St Margaret’s Well you will come to St Anthony’s Well, just down from St Anthony’s Chapel, continuing on and the path will take you to the top of Arthur Seat. You will not be alone as it is very popular way to the top. Next - Old Town Streets Edinburgh

  • Gorgie Dalry Edinburgh | Edinburgh Attractions | All About Edinburgh

    Gorgie Dalry area west of Edinburgh where Heart of Midlothian FC is based. The are at one time hade a brewery and 3 distilleries. Now only the North British Distillery remains and the Caledonian Brewery. There is also the Gorgie city farm with many animals. Also shops, bars & restaurants. Gorgie Dalry Edinburgh This is a look at the West of Edinburgh history and attractions. Gorgie Edinburgh Gorgie is a suburb of Edinburgh just 2 miles to the west of Haymarket Edinburgh. Circa 1850 Gorgie stood outside Edinburgh City limits. Saughton Hall Mansion The oldest building in the area is the old Saughton Hall Mansion (Stenhouse Mansion) Patrick Ellis merchant of Edinburgh extended the original house to the south in 1623. Sir Robert Baird purchased the lands of Saughton hall in 1650 his son James was born in Saughton hall in 1658. On lintel above door an old Edinburgh legend (gilded letters): BLISIT . B . GOD . FOR . AL . HIS . GIFTIS Georgie City Farm Gorgie City Farm opened to the public in 1982 and is open 7 days a week with free entry. The farm animals consist of Goats Guinea Pigs Turkey Cows Pygmy Goats Chickens Ducks Ferrets Lizards Love Birds Alpaca Budgies Rabbits Axolotl Rabbits and Sheep. There is also a cow and a pony. There are pet lodge animals of which rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, tortoise and one snake. Come to the only city farm in Edinburgh. Great for children. Heart of Midlothian Football Club The Heart of Midlothian football club was founded in 1874 and played their football in the East Meadows. The East Meadows hosted the first Edinburgh Derby with Hibernian on Christmas day 1875. Tynecastle Park in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh is where the stadium has stood since the main stand opened in 1914. The Stadium has a Museum bar, café, shop and restaurant North British Distillery The North British Distillery was established in 1885 by Andrew Usher, William Sanderson and John Crabbie in competition with the Caledonian Distillery based at Haymarket Edinburgh. Whisky started to be produced in 1887 and within the first full year of production became the most popular distillery in Britain. In 1988 the North British distillery was the only grain distillery left in Edinburgh after the Caledonian Distillery closed. The original chimney of the Caledonian Brewery still stands The Magdalene Asylum Springwell House The Magdalene Asylum for fallen women was a refuge to help the women of Edinburgh, single mothers, released women prisoners and prostitutes. To educate and help them with social skills. As there were over 200 brothels in Edinburgh the problem was vast. The Asylum was first based in the Canongate in 1797 and moved by the Dr William Tait in 1842 to the edge of the City of Edinburgh near Tynecastle Toll. Masonic Lodge No 832 Lodge No 832 Heart of Midlothian was chartered in 1896 by the Grand Lodge of Scotland Lodge 832 held their meetings in 27 Murieston Crescent (see images below) from 1904 but have moved to the Caledonian Lodge at 5 Roseburn Gardens. Dalry House Dalry Manor House was home to the Chiesley family, built in 1661 by Walter Chiesley of Dalry Ayrshire, who was Lord Provost of Edinburgh on two occasions he had two sons Robert (also Lord Provost of Edinburgh twice) and John, Robert died in the Bedlam Asylum at Bristo Loosing all his money on the Darien Scheme and John was hanged for the murder of Sir George Lockhart in 1689 (John shot Lockhart when leaving St Giles Cathedral on Sunday 31st March and Hanged 3rd April at the Castlehill ). his ghost is believed to haunt the area around Dalry House. Caledonian Brewery George Lorimer Jnr & Robert Clark opened Lorimer & Clark’s Caledonian Brewery in 1869 on the site it still occupies and brews to this day. In the late 1800’s there were over 40 breweries in Edinburgh as there was an abundance of barley and good water. The Caledonian Brewery is the only survivor of all the breweries which include Scottish and Newcastle Tennent’s and Dryburgh’s. To keep ahead of the competition Caledonian Brewery, in 1990 brewed the world’s first organically brewed beer. Deuchers IPA another of the Caledonian beers was voted Scotland’s number one Beer. Ewan Williamson Fire-Fighter Edinburgh Ewan Williamson was a dedicated Fire-fighter and sadly lost his life while saving others on the 12 July 2009. A very well like gentleman and a good basketball player liked by all. There are two plaque on the building where he lost his life. The red plaque reads; Honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Ewan Williamson of Tollcross Fire station who gave his life in the line of duty on Dalry Road Edinburgh. 12 July 2009 The square plaque reads; This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Fire-fighter Ewan Williamson Who died in the line of duty Rescuing the lives of Dalry residents on 12 July 2009 Athletic Arms Bar (Diggers) One of the most well known pubs in Edinburgh is the Athletic Arm or known by everyone as Diggers. First opened in 1897 Given its name as it stands between to cemeteries Dalry Cemetery and North Merchiston Cemetery and was the haunt of the grave diggers from both cemeteries. Now Diggers have moved into whisky and have a selection of over 100 different malt whiskies book a room and a expert for a group or go along and just enjoy the whisky Next - Colinton Area

  • Duddingston Village Edinburgh | Information Zone All About Edinburgh

    The Duddingston Village Edinburgh History has the oldest pub Sheep Heid easy way up Arthur Seat, nature reserve, Duddingston Loch and Bonnie Prince Charlie DUDDINGSTON VILLAGE EDINBURGH HISTORY & ATTRACTIONS DUDDINGSTON LOCH at Dodin’s Village (Duddingston Village) dates back to the 1100s and replaced Treverlen the name of the land owners of the area. The name Duddingston is said to come from the Norman Knight Dodin de Dodinestun who settled in the area. An earlier Bronze Age settlement / lake village may lay buried beyond the car park next to the gate. Duddingston Loch is a nature reserve with swans, geese,ducks and otters. It was previously used for ice skating curling and boating. There is a famous painting by Sir Henry Raeburn of a minister ice skating on the Duddingston Loch. SHEEP HEID INN The Causway, Duddingston Village known originally as Dodin Village. It is said that a drinking house has been on the site since the 1300s and Bonnie Prince Charlie may have drank here before the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745. There is no definite proof of how old the pub is or how it got its name but Royalty played skittles in the back yard and a bowling alley was built in 1870. A club founded in 1882 still exists and plays once a week. A gift given to the landlord in 1580 by King James VI was a rams head snuff box, which is now in Dalmeny House and a copy is behind the bar. The village was known for the slaughter of sheep and the use of the heads for soup (powsowadie) a local broth. THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE END Camped around Dunsapie Loch on Arthur Seat the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie awaited instructions from the war council being held in the house pictured below in Duddingston Village on the night of the 19 September 1745 before the Battle of Prestonpans took place. The Battle at Prestonpans was an monumental victory for the Jacobite army over the English army of red coats. The Jacobite army lead by Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Edward Stuart) went on to battle their way as far as Derby, before turning back with the might of the English army in chase. After 7 months of battles, the end came in just 20 minutes at the battle of Culloden where the English wiped out the Jacobite's and ended the Stuarts regaining the throne, Bonnie Prince Charlie fled to Skye and then into Europe. Duddingston Loch a wildlife sanctuary. The plaque with the quote by John Thomson one time minister of Duddingston Kirk, ‘We’re all Jock Tamson’s bairns’, (Meaning) We are all the same. Duddingston Village full of history and an easy way up Arthur Seat. With steps that take you halfway and a gentle slope the remainder of the way to the top. Midpoint a bench for a rest and Dunsapie Loch with a view of East Lothian. UNDER THE SEAT BESIDE THE WATER MAKES A HOME FOR A' JOCK TAMSON'S BAIRNS The Loupin on stane is found outside many churches in Scotland as it was a way for gentlemen to get on their horses. The Jougs is a neck brace which would be put around the criminal's neck while passers by would throw rotten food at whoever was in the jougs Duddingston Kirk is a Norman style Church overlooking Duddingston Loch built in the early 1100s and is one of the oldest churches still in use in the East of Scotland. Duddingston War Memorial Duddingston War Memorial. The Celtic Cross was erected in 1921 in memory of those who fell in the First World War. Arthur Seat (Easy Way Up) Duddingston Village There is a car park just inside the gates of the Queen's Park at the foot of Arthur Seat. A stairway with about 400 steps will take you half way, where a road is then its a grass slop to the top. Next - Gilmerton & Liberton

  • Canongate North | Royal Mile | All About Edinburgh

    The Canongate was once seperate from Edinburgh. See all the attractions and history on the the northside of the Canongate. Where the Queen goes to church(Canongate Kirk) and where Golfersland stood. A Fudge Factory and Old White Horse Close. Canongate North Edinburgh Attractions Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh is named after the canons of Holyrood Abbey and the Scots word gait meaning “road”. The Canongate was a small district outside the Edinburgh City Walls. The lands and village of Herbegare, where the Abbey of Holyrood was built was given to the monks by King David I in 1128 and a road that extended from Herbegare, to the St John's Cross, this was known as Canon gait. Houses soon were built on both sides of the road and in time the name of Herbegare was lost and the name Canongate was taken in its place. The Canongate had walls around the town which was to define the town with gates that were closed at night (Watergate). This however was no protection against invaders and the Canongate area was burnt to the ground on several occasions first by Richard II circa 1380 then 1544, 1642, 1649, and finally by Cromwell and his army in 1651. Leith (Leytht) Wynd Cranston Street Edinburgh Leith Wynd or Leytht Wynd (1514) was a road that started on the North Side of the Nether Bow Gate at Cranston Street and continued to the back of the Canongate (Calton Road) near to the entrance of Waverley Station on Calton Road and was used by the coaches to London. I have included Leith Wynd in the Close’s of the Royal Mile as I felt that it gives an idea of how difficult it was to get into Edinburgh prior to the New Town and the draining of the Nor’ Loch. From the Head of the Canongate Leith Wynd traveled down to the foot of Caton Hll then west around the calton Hill to joint leith street. The Canongate Christian Institute The Canongate Christian Institute at 2 Cranston Street, Edinburgh, was a Christian mission opening circa 1878. This was a place of worship for the old town. It held gospel meetings and services until its closure in 1930. Mid Common Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Mid Common Close is one of three closes at the head of the Canongate. The other two were west common close and east common close neither survive. This was previously named Vietch’s Close. West Common Close was High School Close and East Common Close was Logan’s Close each of the close’s gave common access to the High School. These closes were like small communities in very narrow streets with up to 100+ family homes each of the closes were previously known by other names as the owners would dictate the close name. Morocco Land Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The sculpture of a Moor faces forward with arms down at his sides supporting a blank shield. The sculpture was moved from its original position on an adjoining building when the present building was being redeveloped. The story of how the land (building) was named is that a young man Andrew Grey, an Edinburgh resident, was sentenced to death for rioting. He fled to Morocco and after a number of years made his fortune and returned home and was involved in saving the life of the daughter of the Provost who was perilously ill with the plague (presumably for this his sentence was commuted). He ended up marrying her and they made their home in the building where the little statue was erected. This came to be known to the locals as “Morocco Land”. New Street Royal Mile Edinburgh New Street or Young Street as it was first named after Dr Thomas Young who owned the Land. The access at the Canongate was private with chains and locks to prevent unwanted visitors to the street. In 1786 it was deemed a public street but was still chained until 1819 when the chains were taken away and access was available to all from the Canongate to Back of the Canongate North or now Calton Road. At the foot of New Street is a Doorway (Jacob’s ladder) to steps that will take you to Regent Road close to the Burns Memorial and the Calton Hill. The east side of New Street was the New Street Gasworks which was established in 1818. One of the first Gas Works in Britain. New Street was previously called Young Street (circa 1760) after Dr Thomas Young Professor of Midwifery at University of Edinburgh who lived on the east side at the Canongate junction. New Street was where the wealthy lived in detached houses with gardens. Names such as Dr Young, Lord Kames, Sir David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes, Lady Betty Anstruther, Miss Ramsay, daughter of the poet Allan Ramsay. This was a private street which had security chains attached to post to stop traffic. It became a public right of way in 1819 giving access from Canongate back of Canongate (Calton Road). Sibbald Walk Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Sibbald Walk was completed in 2017 with renovation to the housing and land which is now a Square with a Marketplace. Keeping with the tradition of the area. Named after Robert Sibbald who was the inspiration behind the Physic Garden (Royal Botanic Gardens) which lay at the foot of Leith Wynd and Calton Road not far from the foot of New Street Shoemakers’ Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Shoemakers’ Close is an old house built in 1725, four stories high in which the shoemakers used to hold their meetings. Over the entrance door is the shoemakers’ coat of arms cut in stone, a crown and rounding knife. Inscribed on the tablet is; 1725 blessed is he | that wisely do | TH the poor man’s | case consider Bible Land (1677) Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Bible Land is the name given to the land (building) on the Canongate which has the sculpture of an open book above the front door which contains part of Psalm 133 “Behold how good a thing it is and how becoming well together such as brethren are in unity to dwell”. There is also the following text “It is an honour for men to cease from strife. Bible Land was built for the Incorporation of Cordiner’s in 1677. The Cordiner’s were leather craftsman who were incorporated in 1544. Gladstone’s Court Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Gladstone Court was previously Bowling Green Close as a Bowling Green was through the archway. Later Magdalene Asylum was built where the Bowling Green was. Magdalene Asylum was for fallen women of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Royal Magdalene Asylum was founded in the Canongate in 1797. This was in Magdalene’s Entry. Magdalene Asylum then moved to the west of Edinburgh in 1842. (Springwell House). Magdalene’s Entry was renamed in honour of the Prime Minister William E Gladstone who was the Prime Minister of Britain on four occasions. There is also a memorial statue in Coates Crescent Garden and a street on the south side near The Meadows (Gladstone Terrace). Look for the concrete stone with Old Well inscribed on it. This is where the people of the Court would get there water for drinking and washing. More on Gladstone Memorial Old Tolbooth Wynd Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Old Tolbooth Wynd was named after the Tolbooth where tolls were paid for road use and other charges. First mention of the Tolbooth of the Canongate was in 1477. It was later extended in 1591 and was the municipal centre and Jail for the residents of the Canongate. The People’s Story museum opened in 1989 telling the history of the people and area. The inscription on the wall reads; S.L.B (Sir Lewis Bellenden) PATRIAE ET POSTERIS (Country and Posterity). The triangle above the Canongate coat of arms shield with date 1128 inscription reads; James VI | IVSTICIA ET PIETAS VALIDE SVNT PRINCIPIS ARCES ( Justice and Compassion are the Fortification of King) Tolbooth Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The Tolbooth is a late 15th century building. It served only the Burgh of Canongate. A bronze wall tablet can be seen with the Canongate coat-of-arms and date 1128. The Tolbooth was the town’s jail and administrative centre. The western part of the Royal Mile the High Street was in Edinburgh and had its own Tolbooth which is no longer there. Its place is marked by the Heart of Midlothian. You can find a Tolbooth in most towns to this day but none are used as jails. The large bronze plaque is a memorial who died in the world wars. The People’s Story Museum Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The Canongate Tolbooth is home to The People’s Story Museum, telling the story all about the people who have lived in Edinburgh from its beginning. People's Story Canongate Kirk Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The present Canongate Kirk building opened in 1691. The first building now in ruins beside Holyrood House opened in 1128. This 17th century Canongate Kirk was designed by James Smith, The Canongate Kirk is unique among Scottish churches of this period. Buried in the churchyard are several famous Scots including the economist Adam Smith. The Queen, when in residence at the Palace of Holyrood House, will use this as her local place to worship. Princess Anne’s Daughter (Zara Philips) married England rugby union captain Mike Tindal here in June 2011. Canongate Kirk More About - Canongate Kirk Mercat Cross Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The Mercat Cross originally stood in the middle of the road outside the Tolbooth and was moved next to the Tolbooth in the 1730s to make way for the increasing traffic. The Mercat Cross was moved to its present location in the early 1950s. Every town (Burgh) in Scotland had a Mercat cross, which would stand in the middle of a market square and on occasion be the place people would be chain for a crime and have rotten fruit and vegetables thrown at them by passers-by. The Cross was used as a pillory and had Jougs (neck and leg irons attached). Robert Fergusson Plaque inscription reads; Robert Fergusson was born just up the road in Cap & Feather Close (now demolished). He studied at the Royal High School, Dundee Grammar School and the University of St. Andrews. The death of his father cut short his life as a student. To support his widowed mother and family he returned home to Edinburgh in 1772 and took an ill-paid job as a copyist clerk in the Commissary Office. His poetic career lasted just three years. In 1774 he injured himself falling down a flight of steps and was incarcerated in the Edinburgh Bedlam as a madman. Despite his early death, he died at the tender age of 24, he packed an intense outburst of creative energy into the last years of his life. His poetry in Scots expresses the character spirit and very taste and smell of the Edinburgh of his day. Fergusson is so much the poet of Edinburgh that later figures including Robert Burns, R.L.Stevenson and Robert Garioch all acknowledged him as one of the sources of their inspiration. He is buried in this graveyard. He was nine years older than Robert Burns but they never met. Robert Burns on arriving in Edinburgh found Robert Fergusson had been buried here in a pauper's grave. He paid for the gravestone which you can see if you walk round the left-hand side of the church. Read on... "The Dark Days", "Caller Oysters", "To The Tron Kirk Bell" and "Auld Reikie Will Tak Yer Mind Into the Mirk O' Lang Syne" Plaque presented to our friends the people of Scotland, by the Burns Society of the City of New York and St. Andrew's Society of the State of New York. Canongate Kirk Burial Ground Royal Mile Edinburgh Among the people who are interred. in the Canongate graveyard are Adam Smith Economist and author of The Wealth of Nations, Sir William Fettes Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Tea and Wine Merchant and founder of Fettes College, Agnes MacAlees (CLARINDA) Robert Burns one true love – the love affair was to last until their death, David Rizzio Mary Queen of Scots private secretary, Robert Fergusson Royal Poet and inspiration to Robert Burns. David Riccio (Rizzio) Grave David Rizzio (Riccio) born 1533 – died 1566. Mary Queen of Scots’ private secretary and confidante, David Rizzio, was assassinated in the Palace of Holyrood House by Mary’s husband, Lord Darnley and a group of his allies on the 9th March 1566. This was his first steps to take over and rule as King. It was a short power struggle as Lord Darnley was murdered on the 10th February 1567, less than one year later. David Rizzio was of Italian descent from near Turin and was known as David Rizzio, David Riccio or David Rizzo. Adam Smith 1723 – 1790 Grave Adam Smith lived in Panmure House in Lochend Close in the Canongate and is buried in the Canongate Kirk Graveyard, behind the Canongate Kirk. Adam Smith was a Scottish moral philosopher and a pioneer of political economy. He was one of the key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment. In 1776 The Wealth of Nations, is considered his magnum opus and the first modern work of economics. Smith is cited as the father of modern economics. In 2009 Adam Smith was named among the “Greatest Scots” of all time, in a vote run by Scottish television. The inscription on the paving stone outside Canongate Kirk reads: HERE WITHIN THE CHURCHYARD | OF | CANONGATE KIRK | IS THE GRAVE | OF | ADAM SMITH | 1723 – 1790 | BORN IN KIRKCALDY FIFE | INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED | ECONOMIST | AUTHOR OF | “THE WEALTH OF NATIONS” Robert Fergusson (Poet) Grave Robert Fergusson was the inspiration to Robert Burns to make him the poet he turned out to be. Robert Fergusson died at the age of 24 in 1774. Robert Burns, to show how much respect he had for his fellow artist, paid for his headstone and wrote his inscription. No sculptur’d marble here, nor pompus lie, No story’d urn nor animated bust; This simple stone directs pale Scotia’s way To pour her sorrows o’er her poet’s dust. Agnes Maclehose (Clarinda) Grave Agnes Maclehose (CRAIG) Agnes Maclehose (1759-1841) was known as Nancy. Nancy first came to Edinburgh to live in Potterrow near the corner with Marshall Street after her husband left her to make his fortune in Jamaica. Robert Burns first meet with Nancy on the 4th December 1787 at afternoon tea and the assignation started. Mishap and misfortune stopped them from meeting for some time but they wrote to each other regularly. The love affair was to last until their death but their last meeting was in December of 1791 when Nancy left for Jamaica to be with her now wealthy husband. Read the famous letters written with code names Nancy being (Clarinda), Rabbie being (Sylvander) and not to forget the love song to Nancy `Ae Fond Kiss’. Sir William Fettes Grave Tomb Sir William Fettes was born in 1750 and died in his home in Charlotte Square Edinburgh. A wealthy land owner with several estates, his main estate at Comleybank where Fettes School was built with money left in his estate to give free education to the poor fatherless children of Edinburgh. It was a boy’s only school until it went fully co-educational in 1981. William Fettes was knighted in 1804 and was Lord Provost of Edinburgh on 2 occasions. Dunbar’s Close and Gardens Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Dunbar’s Close was named after the owner of the tenement at that time, an Edinburgh lawyer David Dunbar. Take a walk through Dunbar’s Close for a look at a 17th century style garden with views of Calton hill, the Nelson Monument and Burns memorial in the background. On your right of the gates as you enter are Cadell House and Panmure House, the latter is where Adam Smith lived and died (1772-1790). Dunbar’s Close and Gardens Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The Mushroom Trust Plaque reads; Dunbar Close Garden was laid out in the character of an Edinburgh 17th century garden in 1977 when it was donated by The Mushroom Trust of the City of old Edinburgh. Panmure Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Panmure House, is where the Jacobite Earl of Panmure had his town house and later the Countess of Aberdeen occupied the house before Adam Smith lived and died here from 1772 till 1790. Adam Smith is buried in the Canongate Kirk Graveyard and his statue is in the High Street near to St Giles Cathedral. The poppies on the gates were to show that this was the access to the Lady Haig Poppy factory between 1931– 1965. Access to Panmure house is at 115 Canongate Little Lochend Close. Cadell House Panmure Close CanongateEdinburgh William Cadell was born in 1668 and died in 1728. He was an Edinburgh merchant and freeman of Edinburgh. William Cadell’s grandson was a founder of the Carron Company Iron Works of Falkirk. The largest iron works of its type in Europe for circa 100 years. Cadell house was restored and converted to apartments in 1954. Panmure House Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Panmure House is now a museum, visitor attraction. The house was built circa 1685 for the Earls of Panmure as a town house with their main residence in Panbride Angus. Adam Smith purchased the property in 1776 after the death of his mother who he lived with in Kirkcaldy (this is where he wrote "The Wealth of Nation") from 1767. He lived in Panmure House till his death in 1790. Panmure House Lochend Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Lochend Close has two entrances and at one time there was Little Lochend Close and Lochend Close Lochend comes from being at the end of Calton Crags and the Nor Loch which was at that time in the parish of Restalrig. This name was given by the owner of the house at the end of the close William Ferguson of Loch end Restalrig. Also entrance to Panmure House. Reid’s Court Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Reid’s Court takes its name from Edinburgh brewer and magistrate Andrew Reid who lived here in the 1770s. The house was first the home to Lord Advocate Sir John Nisbet and was built in 1624. It is now the Manse where the minister of the Canongate Kirk lives. Campbell’s Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Campbell’s Close previously Rae’s Close. Campbell’s Close was named after George Campbell Bailie of the Canongate. Known as Campbell’s Land there were many famous lived here Archbishop of St Andrews Arthur Ross and the 13th and 14th Earl of Morton. Brown’s Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The name of the Close comes from a Joseph Brown who was a baker and had premises further up the Canongate. He purchase Paterson’s Land (Golfer’s Land) which was a tenement and land from John Paterson who built the tenement with proceeds from a Golf match. Golfer's Land (Brown's Close) Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Brown’s Close or Golfer’s Land is a tenement building purchased with winnings from a 4 ball golf match between Baillie John Paterson and The Duke of York (King James VII) and two English noblemen. During the 1600s two English noblemen attached to the court of the Duke of York (to be King James VII) were challenged by the Duke to a golf match on Leith Links. The Duke’s partner was shoemaker John Paterson a descendent from a long line of golfers. The English noblemen were beaten and the Duke rewarded Paterson with the stakes that had been played for, which enabled Paterson to build a tenement building which he called Golfer’s Land. The building is no longer on the site as it was demolished in 1960. In 1664 Charles I (The Duke’s father) bestowed on the Duke of York the American provinces previously controlled by the Dutch now renamed in his honour, New York. The Duke succeeded to the crown in 1685, and died in 1701. In 1688, his wife Queen Mary gave birth to a son who was later to be father to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Golfer's Land Plaque On this site stood the tenement known as Golfer’s | Land. It was built in the 17th Century by the bailie John | Paterson. The golfer with, it is said, his share of | the stake from a Golf match when he partnered | The Duke of York (afterwards James VII) against two | English noblemen. The bronze coat of arms is a | copy of a stone carving which was built into | Golfers Land. Another panel with Latin inscription | by Dr Pitcairne, which may be seen in the courtyard | to the rear. Links the Paterson family with the | building and the name of golf. The Plaque with the coat of arms that shows a hand holding a golf club above a helmet and shield with three stars and three Swans the Paterson Coat of arms and an inscription that reads: (Top) Far and Sure (Foot) I HATE NO PERSON, an anagram of "John Patersone." Whitefoord House Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Whitefoord House ids part of Galloway's Entry where the Earl of Winton’s’ town mansion, better known as Lord Seytoun’s lodging in the Canongate. In front of the mansion, in which Sir Walter Scott lays some of the scenes of the “Abbot”. There was a tavern built chiefly of lath and plaster, known as “Jenny Ha’s”. The landlady was famous for her claret. Gay, the poet, is said to have frequented the tavern during his short stay in Edinburgh. It was a custom for the merchants and distinguished gentlemen of Edinburgh to adjourn after dinner parties, to enjoy claret and merrymaking at Jenny Ha’s. Forsyth’s Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Forsyth’s Close was a Coach Maker’s Yard owned by Alexander Forsyth who purchased the land in 1719 and passed on to his son also Alexander who was a coach maker in London. Forsyth’s Close now gives entry to Whitefoord House. Galloway’s Entry Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh John Galloway owned land and had a stable, Alexander Galloway also had Stables. The land of Forsyth’s Close and Galloway’s Entry with a now missing Ramsay’s Close all seem to have had stables on the land with two main Houses Callendar House to the west and Whitefoord House on the east both now veterans residence Whitefoord House being the site where the Earl of Winton had a mansion house which became known as Lord Seytoun’s Lodgings. The Plaque at the main entrance to the building reads; In memory of Charles M Pelham Burn First Chairman of this institution to whose personal influence and exertions is mainly due to the successful establishment of this residence for Veterans of the Navy and Army to whom its hospitality might be acceptable in the days of their old age and necessity. White Horse Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The original owner of the land where White Horse Close stands was a Laurence Ord who built houses stables and a tavern (Ord’s Tavern) in a courtyard that was gated to the south and was named Laurence Ord’s Close. This was once where the Royal Mews was situated and Queen Mary kept her Horse which was a palomino (White Horse). The origin of the close being called White Horse Close. Laurence Ord sold the land and buildings to a John Mitchell in 1695 and he then sold it on to Nicol Graham in 1745 who in turn sold it on to John Davidson in 1752. On the walls in White Horse Close look for the plaques of William Dick founder of the Edinburgh veterinary college (The Royal Dick Vet) and Ord’s Tavern. The plaque can be found on the wall of the house at the back of the courtyard where the Inn was. This area was also said to have been used in 1745 by the officers of the Jacobite army prior to the battle of Prestonpans lead by Bonnie Prince Charlie. White Horse Close Ord's Inn (Tavern) The White Horse Inn at the back of White Horse Close (Ord’s Tavern) in the Canongate is where a plaque denotes that this was the first point when leaving by coach to London. This is not correct as records show that the coaches left from the Head of the Canongate, there is a White Horse Inn at the top of the Canongate which is connected to Boyd’s Entry and Boyd’s Close in St Mary Street or White Horse Close as it was often Called. There once was an entrance in the Canongate Boyd’s Close now Gullan’s Close and an entrance from Boyd’s Entry as there had to be stables for the horses and a place for the coaches. Boyd’s Entry is the original starting point for the coach and horses. There are a number of plaques that have been put up stating this, also when Boyd advertised the Inn for sale, it was advertised with stables for 100 horses and 20 coaches. The first coaches set of for London in 1712. William Dick (Plaque) White Horse Close Canongate Edinburgh The founder of the Edinburgh Veterinary College William Dick was born in 1793 in White Horse Close in the Canongate. William Dick was educated at Mr Kesson’s school in Shakespeare Square which was located at the east end of Edinburgh at the foot of the North Bridge. The square was demolished in 1860. The first veterinary College was in Clyde Street on the site of where the present bus station is now. The College moved to the site of Summerhall, William Dick the Veterinary Science department is now at the Bush Estate. In 1906, the College was named the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College and became part of the University of Edinburgh in 1951. The Girth Cross Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The Girth Cross just like the Mercat Cross in the High Street, was a place for public proclamations, and executions. One of the most famous to take place here was that of the beautiful Jean Livingston (Lady Warriston), daughter to the Laird of Dunipace and wife of John Kincaid of Warriston. On the 2nd July 1600 she had Robert Weir, a servant of her father, batter her husband to death, an idea given to her by her nurse. Both the nurse and Lady Warriston were arrested and convicted of the murder of her husband, John Kincaid of Warriston. The nurse was burned on the Castlehill at 4 o’clock in the morning and at the same time Lady Warriston was beheaded by the “Maiden” (early type of guillotine) at the Girth Cross at the foot of the Canongate. This device, which can still be seen at the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street, Edinburgh, claimed over 150 victims during its period of use, including, Regent James Douglas 4th Earl of Morton, who originally introduced the “Maiden” from France. The servant Robert Weir was broken on the Breaking Wheel in 1603 for his crime (a brutal and agonising death). Russell House Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Russell House was named after Sir Robert Russell for all the effort he took to have the building saved for posterity. This is an example of a 17th Century tenement that the local Edinburgh people of the time would have live in. The Canongate was founded in 1140. King David I gave permission to the Canons of Holyrood Abbey to create the Burgh and it became part of Edinburgh in 1856. Above the doorway on the lintel is inscribed WL MA 1697 this could be from another building as it was common for reuse of stone work. The initials would represent the name of the owner of the property and his intended wife and the date of their marriage). Russell House was built on what was the site of St Thomas’s Hospital built in 1541 by George Crichton. Watergate Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The Water Gate (Water Yett) was found at the foot of the Canongate on the north side near to White Horse Close. It was named the Watergate as a pond for watering horse dominated the area. There was a gated archway that stood across the road adjoining the buildings on the Canongate to the ones at the Abbey, some called Abbey Gate. The gate was locked at night for security. Next - Canongate Southside This is a list of the closes, entry's and courts that were in the Canongate prior to 1600. Some of the closes could have up to 250 people living in them. There are many different name signs in the Royal Mile each with a specific meaning. Wynd A narrow roadway open at both ends with housing on each side Street A Wynd that has been widened. Close A passageway to a courtyard or to another street which had housing of both sides Entry A way into a closed courtyard which had housing around the open courtyard Court A closed area with housing around the open courtyard Port A Gateway Canongate Northside Close's of the past and the ones that still remain Flesh Market Close Couls Close West Common Close Mid Common Close East Common Close Rae’s Close Morrocco’s Close Seton’s Close Kinloch’s Close Ayr Bank Close Jack’s Close Jack’s Court Shoemaker’s Close Bowling Green Close Aitken’s Close Tolbooth Wynd Bakehouse Close Dunbar’s Close Panmuir Close Brown’s Close Monro’s Close Lochend’s Close Reid’s Yard Campbell’s Close Sommervile’s Close, Malloch’s Close Forsyth’s Close Galloway’s Close Ramsay’s Close Duncan’s Close White Horse Close Next - Canongate South

  • Dean Cemetery | Attraction | All About Edinburgh

    Dean Cemetry is famous for the people that are buried here Photography's pioneer, Builder of Glasgow, Confederate General, Biscut Maker, Lords Cockburn, Jeffrey Dean Cemetery Edinburgh David Octavius Hill Dean Cemetery Edinburgh David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson circa 1845 pioneered many aspects of photography in Scotland. David was a Scottish painter and photographer. His studio was Rock Cottage on Calton Hill. Colonel Robert Smith Dean Cemetery Edinburgh An obelisk and stone plaque in memory of and Edinburgh born soldier who was a Colonel in the Confederate Army in Americas South. Stone plaque inscription COL. ROBERT A. SMITH / OF THE / 10TH MISSISSIPPI REGIMENT CONFEDERATE STATES ARMY / A NATIVE OF EDINBURGH / WHO FELL MORTALLY WOUNDED AT THE / BATTLE OF MUNFORDSVILLE / KENTUCKY / SEPTEMBER 14TH 1862 WHILE GALLANTLY LEADING IN THE / CHARGE OF FORT CRAIG / AGED 26 YEARS SPONSORED BY MURFREESBORO S.C.V.CAMP NO 33/ TENNESSEE Buchanan Dean Cemetery Edinburgh James Buchanan (1785–1857) was a Scottish businessman and philanthropist who was instrumental in building Glasgow. Born in Glasgow and lived his last years in Edinburgh’s New Town where his wife continued to live after his death. Lord Francis Jeffrey Dean Cemetery Edinburgh Lord Francis Jeffrey, born 23 Oct 1773 in Edinburgh, Scotland, died 26 Jan 1850 in Edinburgh buried in the Dean Cemetery. He was a literary critic and became a Judge. He was the editor of, The Edinburgh Review, a newspaper on British political and literary criticism in the early 19th century. His offices were in Buccleuch Place Edinburgh. James Falshaw Dean Cemetery Edinburgh James Falshaw was an engineer and helped build the railways around the UK. He lived in Edinburgh from the mid-1800s. He was Edinburgh’s Lord Provost from 1874 -77. He helped modernise the lothians and was knighted in 1876 and was involve in the building of the Forth Rail Bridge which still stands today as the main crossing of the Firth of Forth by rail. Nasmyth Dean Cemetery Edinburgh James Nasmyth born 47 York Place Edinburgh in 1808 became a Scottish engineer famed for inventing the steam hammer in 1842 and many other engineering firsts in his foundry in Manchester. He produced many tools and steam engines. His father Alex was a renowned Scottish artist. Alexander Nasmyth Artist Alexander Nasmyth born in 1758 in Edinburgh live at 47 York Place and was said to be the father of Scottish Landscape Painting. He Studied under Allan Ramsay and as a friend of Robert Burns he was fortunate enough to be the only one to paint a portrait of Robert Burns that exists today. only one to paint a portrait of Robert Burns that exists today. Lord Henry Cockburn Dean Cemetery Edinburgh See https://www.allaboutedinburgh.co.uk/bonaly-tower for info on Henry Cockburn Robert McVitie Dean Cemetery Edinburgh Robert McVitie (1854-1910) took over the running of the business from his father who died in 1884. That was when the company moved solely to Biscuits. The biscuit that is known by everyone is McVities Digestive, which was created in 1892. An Edinburgh man with the biggest name in biscuits. Lord Andrew Rutherfurd Dean Cemetery Edinburgh Andrew Rutherfurd was born at Bristo Port Edinburgh 1791. His home was to be Lauriston Castle and his townhouse was 9 St Colme Street, where he died in 1854. (Even in 1800s they had 2 houses). He studied law at the University of Edinburgh and became an advocate in 1812. He was appointed Solicitor General for Scotland in 1837 and in 1839 he was appointed Lord Advocate and Member of Parliament for Leith. He was also appointed the Rector of the University of Glasgow. James Stevenson Dean Cemetery Edinburgh James Stevenson born in Paisley on 28 April 1786 a Scottish merchant and philanthropist who was the father of two famous Scottish women, Flora Stevenson and Louisa Stevenson. In 1865 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He died at Home 13 Randolph Crescent in Edinburgh. Randolph Crescent the home of Flora Stevenson, Louisa Stevenson, and Elisa Stevenson in Edinburgh became one of the centres for women’s rights campaigning. They were founder members of the Ladies Educational Association. Flora Stevenson was elected onto the Governments School Board in 1873 and was so re-elected every year until her death in 1905. In her honour the Education board named a school after her which still is in use to this day. Louisa campaigned specifically for women to be allowed medical training and to qualify as doctors. She joined with Sophia Jex Blake to found the women’s medical college. Louisa later became a member of the executive committee of the National Union of Women’s suffrage society. Louisa Stevenson with Christian Guthrie Wright founded the Edinburgh School of Cookery in 1875 in Atholl Crescent Edinburgh. This school developed into The Queen Margaret University. James Hamilton Dean Cemetery Edinburgh James Hamilton, 9th Lord Belhaven and Stenton (1822–1893) His family can be traced back over 500 years to James Hamilton, 1st Lord Hamilton, by Janet Calderwood, and half-brother of James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran from whom the Dukes of Hamilton descend. Information from https://en.google-info.org/463879/1/lord-belhaven-and-stenton.html Sir Thomas Bouch Dean Cemetery Edinburgh The well-known saying ‘you botched it up’ was after Sir Thomas Bouch who built the original Tay Bridge which collapsed due to design faults, many were killed. Ironically, his Knighthood was for the building of the bridge. Sir Thomas Bouch 1822 –1880 a British railway engineer. He was born in Cumbria. He was the manager of the Edinburgh and Northern Railway and introduced the first roll-on/roll-off train ferry service in the world which left from Granton harbour taking trains over to Fife. William H Playfair Dean Cemetery Edinburgh William Henry Playfair was born in London to Scottish Parents in 1790. He studied at Edinburgh University graduating in 1809. He became the leading architect in Edinburgh. His neoclassical architecture can be seen all over Edinburgh. His buildings were how Edinburgh was called ‘The Athens of the North’. Most of his finest buildings are in or around Edinburgh. The Royal Scottish Academy building, The National Gallery of Scotland, Royal College of Surgeons, Donaldson's Hospital, St Stephen's Church New College on The Mound, City Observatory and Dugald Stewart Monument on Calton Hill. He died in 1857 leaving Edinburgh a as an architectural paradise known throughout the world. Next - Corstorphine Village

  • Abbey Strand | Royal Mile | All About Edinburgh

    Abbey Strand in Edinburgh is the short road to the gates of Holyrood House known as the Palace of Holyrood. Holyrood Abbey now ruins is one of the oldest Abbeys in Scotland (10th century). See the royal graves in the grounds. Abbey Strand Royal Mile Attractions Edinburgh Royal Mile Abbey Strand Edinburgh is the small area around the Palace of Holyrood House which was built circa 1480 leading up to the Palace gates. The brass letter S’s in the cobbles that can be found across the start on the Abbey Strand were boundary markers of a sanctuary, which is five miles in circumference and takes in Holyrood Park. The Sanctuary was a safe place for people that were running away from creditors to live. The building that is now used as a gift shop was once homes for debtors. There are two significant buildings in the Abbey Strand Holyrood House Palace and Holyrood Abbey the later dating back to King David I. Abbey Strand Royal Attractions Edinburgh Unicorn Wall Tablet Abbey Strand Edinburgh In the Abbey Strand on the entrance through the south wall near the gates to the Palace of Holyrood House you will see an ornate stone tablet of a unicorn with the inscription; IR5 or (KING JAMES THE V) A white unicorn (the symbol of Scotland) holding the saltire flag of Scotland, with a shield, with the red lion rampant. Palace of Holyrood House Abbey Strand Edinburgh Palace of Holyrood House is Queen Elizabeth’s official residence in Scotland was built in 1498 by James IV. The Palace was set alight and burned down in November of 1650 when Cromwell’s troops were leaving. This was said to be an accident. The Tower of James V being the only part that survived. The present palace foundations were laid in 1671 and the rebuild completed in 1674, the new occupants took up residency at the end of 1679. The then Duke of Albany and York, to be James the II of England and VII of Scotland and family. Holyrood Holyrood Abbey Abbey Strand Edinburgh Holyrood Abbey was built by King David I in 1128 is now a ruin with a history that spans 800 years. Holyrood Abbey’s position close to Edinburgh Castle meant that it was often visited by Scotland’s monarchs throughout the centuries. Holyrood Abbey was the site of the coronations of James II in 1437 and Charles I in 1633. It also housed the first high school of Scotland. Young Mary landed at Leith on 18 June 1549 and married 19-year-old James II, King of Scots, at Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh two weeks later. On the completion of the marriage ceremony Mary was taken to her dressing room clothed in the coronation robes and returned to be crowned Queen of Scotland. Holyrood Abbey Holyrood House Water Fountain In the forecourt of the Palace of Holyrood House stands an Octagonal stone fountain which is said to be design on the original fountain that stood in Linlithgow Palace. The fountain has many figures and heads and was built around 1860. Octagonal stone fountain is decorated with figures from the who’s who Blair, Montgomery, Campbell and Blackadder, Rizzio, Queen Margaret, John Cunningham, Town Drummer of Linlithgow, Lady Cramford with a hawk perched on her finger and a dog by her left side, the Earl of Stair, Queen Mary, Sir John Cope, Arabella of France, heads of Edward I, Queen Mary and the Duke of Buckingham Archie Simpson (Dunfermline Abbey fool), Binnock (who deceived the English at Linlithgow) and Elizabeth Blackwood the heads of Young Earl of Kent, Abbot of St Andrews and Oliver Cromwell George Buchanan (Court fool) stabbing the Duke of Devonshire the head of Grieve on Jock Howieson's farm, the head of Shakespeare, and the fool in the Court of Elizabeth the Duke of Essex and Lola Irondale with a dog the heads of John Milburn of the Covenanters, a cherub and Elizabeth Milburn. Sanctuary Holyrood Abbey Abbey Strand Edinburgh You can find the brass S’s in the cobbles of Abbey Strand leading to the entrance of Holyrood. Holyrood Abbey was designated as a debtor's sanctuary in the 16th century. The sanctuary extends to the whole of Holyrood Park slightly over 4 square miles. Anyone in debt could flee their creditors, and imprisonment or hanging, by taking up residence within the sanctuary, due to this a small community grew to the west of the palace most of the houses were demolished and only a few remain. "Abbey Lairds", were only able to leave the sanctuary on Sundays as it was not allowed to arrest anyone on the Sabbath. In 1880 the law was changed which meant debtors could no longer be imprisoned. The Sanctuary building is now used as a gift shop for the palace. Thomson’s Court Abbey Strand Edinburgh Thomson’s Court is to the north side of Abbey Strand as was used for accommodation for the debtors who lived within the sanctuary area of Holyrood Abbey circa 1850. At one time there were Taverns on the ground floor with housing above. Originally built as housing circa 1500. Renovations have now been made and Thomson's Court is now Abbey Apartments with multi functional rooms and shop. Psychic Garden Palace of Holyrood House Abbey Strand Edinburgh The King's Psychic Garden was first e stablished in 1670 by Sir Robert Sibbald and Dr Andrew Balfour, both botanists and physicians. The Psychic garden was located on the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This recreation of the first Physic garden (2020) seen below was the precursor of the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. See the recreation of the first Physic Garden at the left side of Holyroodhouse Palace Watergate Canongate Edinburgh Watergate was the gated entrance to the Canongate. From outside the walls it would have stood between the Sanctuary building and what is now Russell House. The Water Gate took its name from a horse pond near to the bath house. Queen Mary’s Bath House Palace of Holyroodhouse Abbey Strand Queen Mary’s Bath house was associated with Mary Queen of Scots. Used as a summer house for the Royals when walking in the garden. The wording on the sign reads; Queen Mary’s Bath House. This little two Storeyed building is traditionally associated with May Queen of Scots (1542-1587). It was once attached to a boundary wall enclosing the Kings privy garden and served as a pavilion or summerhouse where the royal family might relax whilst strolling in the garden. Weather it contained a bath is unknown. Abbeyhill Police Station This building was originally a police Station built in 1896. 30 Croft-An-Righ (Croft-An-Righ House) 30 Croft-An-Righ (Croft-An-Righ House) Croft-An-Righ is a mansion house on the north east corner of the gardens of the Palace of Holyrood house. The owners were all nobility and had connections with the King at the time. Croft-An-Righ (or 'King's Field') House is known to belong to Robert 3rd Lord Elphinstone died 1602. He then sold it in to Alexander Livingston 2nd Earl of Linlithgow died 1648 who in turn sold it to William Graham 7th Earl of Monteith and 1st Earl of Airth Died 1661. After a fire circa 1680 the house was rebuilt with further alterations made circa 1880 Next - Horse Wynd

  • Edinburgh New Town | North East | All About Edinburgh

    The New town was quickly occupied by the wealthy from the old town and Canongate and an extension to the New Town was required by adding streets north of Queen Street. Edinburgh New Town North East Once the New town in Edinburgh was habitable it was quickly occupied by the merchants and well to do moving from the Canongate and Old Edinburgh. The New Tow was soon extended past Queen Street Gardens to the north. The next row of houses being Heriot Row and Abercrombie Place with Nelson Street, India Street, Dundas Street, Dublin Street and Albany Street all branching from them. This page covers Heriot Row and Abercrombie Place, Nelson Street, Dundas Street, Dublin Street, London Street, Drummond Place Mansfield Place, Northumberland Street and Albany Street. Heriot Row Edinburgh New Town North East Robert Louis Stevenson he went to school at Canonmills (now Baptist Church). The Stevenson family moved in 1857 to 17 Heriot Row Edinburgh Robert Louis Stevenson was born Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson at 8 Howard Place, Edinburgh, on 13 November 1850. He then moved with his parents to a new family home in Inverleith Row before moving to 17 Heriot Row where he lived from the age of 7 for the next 23 years the Stevenson family home. Then moving to Tusitala an island of Samoa, where he lived until he died in 1894 (aged 44). There is a bronze memorial to Robert Louis Stevenson in the Moray Aisle of St Giles Cathedral. Other residents of the Row were at No.6 Henry Mackenzie Author died here 1831 and friend of Robert Burns. Heriot Row Nelson Street Nelson Street Edinburgh New Town North East Sir Alexander MacKenzie Sir Alexander MacKenzie Lived at No 22 Nelson Street. A famous Composer and Musician Robert Garioch Sutherland Robert Sutherland lived at No4 Nelson Street a poet and Makar. He was honoured with a Makars' paving slab in Makars' Court in the Lawnmarket Edinburgh. Drummond Place Edinburgh New Town North East Drummond Place Sydney Goodsir Smith Sydney Goodsir Smith was born on 26 October 1915 in Wellington, New Zealand Scottish mother came to Edinburgh with his parents in 1928.A renowned Scottish poet, artist, dramatist and novelist. His home was 25 Drummond Place where he died young on the 15 January 1975 at the age of 59. There is a slab in Makars’ Court Lawnmarket to honour him and he is buried in the Dean Cemetery. William and Fanny McTaggart Sir William McTaggart (1903 – 1981) was a landscape artist and was married to Fanny Aavatsmark a Norwegian Journalist and Patriot. Born in Loanhead Midlothian he was a successful artist and teacher, he was given many honours including a knighthood in 1962. He lived with his wife Fanny Aavatsmark at Drummond Place Edinburgh till his death in 1981. Sir Compton McKenzie (writer) Compton McKenzie was born in 1893 in West Hartlepool His English father and American mother both actors. Compton Mackenzie moved to Scotland at the age of 35 and was a resident on Barra, having a house Suidheachan built in 1928. Moving to his new home in Edinburgh at 31-32 Drummond Place in 1946. Sir Compton Mackenzie died at his Edinburgh home in 1972 and was buried on the Isle of Barra where he wrote his novel Whisky Galore from true events. York Place North East New Town Edinburgh York Place Edinburghs nya stad Nordöstra York Place var en del av den norra förlängningen av den nya staden, en fortsättning på Queen Street, och är oförändrad sedan den byggdes omkring 1820. Det fanns många framstående familjer som bodde i husen längs denna genomfartsled. Sir Henry Raeburn Henry Raeburn var porträttmålare och föddes i Stockbridge, Edinburgh, år 1756 och dog i Stockbridge, Edinburgh, år 1823. Han byggde ett hus på York Place 32, det var här han målade från 1795 till 1809. Han adlades 1822 av kung George IV och är erkänd som Skottlands mest berömda porträttmålare. Hans mest kända verk är ”The Skating Minister”. Pastor Robert Walker från Canongate Kirk åkte skridskor på Duddingston Loch. Målningen finns i National Gallery of Scotland. Huvudgatan i Stockbridge är Raeburn Place, uppkallad efter målaren nära där han föddes och även dog. York Place Edinburghs nya stad Nordöstra James Nasmyth Födelseort James Nasmyth Inventor James Nasmyth born 47 York Place Edinburgh in 1808 became a Scottish engineer famed for inventing the steam hammer in 1842 and many other engineering firsts in his foundry in Manchester. He produced many tools and steam engines. His father Alex was a renowned Scottish artist. Alexander Nasmyth Artist Alexander Nasmyth born in 1758 in Edinburgh live at 47 York Place and was said to be the father of Scottish Landscape Painting. He Studied under Allan Ramsay and as a friend of Robert Burns was fortunate enough to be the only one to paint a portrait of Robert Burns that exists today. Dundas Street Dundas Street Edinburgh New Town North East The Botanic Society The Botanic Society of Edinburgh was founded at 15 Dundas Street on 8th February 1836. Abercrombie Place Abercrombie Place Edinburgh New Town North East Dame Sarah Elizabeth Siddons Mair, DBE Dame Sarah Elizabeth Siddons Mair, DBE campaigned for the rights of women to have equal opportunities for education. She was born in 1846 in Edinburgh. She founded the Edinburgh Essay Society which became the Edinburgh Debating Society at the age of 19 and was president of for 70 years. She was a principal in setting up St George’s training college which was the first Scottish institution for training women to teach in secondary education, Girls from St. George’s College were among the first female graduates of Edinburgh University. The tireless campaigning and endless work for women’s education led to an honorary LLD (Legum Doctor Latin: “teacher of the laws”) from Edinburgh University in 1920 and a DBE (Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 1931. Abercrombie Plac e Edinburgh New Town North East Kinross House Kinross House was the offices of John Kinross a highly respected architect and president of the Edinburgh Architectural Association between 1890 and 1892, and was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy in 1905. He was responsible of the restorations of many historic buildings including Falkland Palace in Fife and the Priory Church of St Mary in South Queensferry. Abercrombie Place Edinburgh New Town North East Royal Scots Memorial Club The Royal Scots War Memorial Fund was formed in 1919 to fund the purchase of the Club. The first buildings No 30 and 31 Abercromby Place were purchased in 1921 with the further purchase of No. 29 years later. At that time the three buildings were converted into the Royal Scots War Memorial Club circa 1929. The purpose of the Club was to honour the memory of all ranks 11,162 Royal Scots who had been killed in the Great war. Abercrombie Place Edinburgh New Town North East Marie Charlotte Carmichael Stopes Marie Charlotte Carmichael Stopes woman of achievement plaque can be seen at 3 Abercrombie Place Edinburgh where she was born.Marie Stopes was born in Edinburgh in 1880 and went to school at St Georges Garscube Terrace Edinburgh 1892 – 94. She became an author, palaeobotanist and campaigner for women’s rights. Northumberlandgatan Edinburghs nya stad Nordöstra John Gibson Lockhart John Gibson Lockhart-plaketten på Northumberland Street i Edinburgh. Svärson till Sir Walter Scott och författare till Sir Walter Scotts biografi, han är begravd bredvid honom i Dryburgh Abbey. andra invånare på gatan var amiral Sir WG Fairfax som bodde på nr 53, Sir John Hope nr 57 Northumberland Street Dublin Street Edinburgh New Town North East Herbert Nigel Gresley Herbert Nigel Gresley was born here 1876 he is famous for designing steam locomotives, the Flying Scotsman and Mallard two iconic steam trains both designed by him. Dublin Street Stora kungagatan Edinburghs nya stad Nordöstra Sir William Allan Sir William Allan föddes i Edinburgh 1872 och blev en världsberömd konstnär. Han var ordförande för Royal Scottish Academy och Royal Academician. Några av hans verk inkluderar: Mordet på David Rizzio, Sir Walter Scott, Undertecknandet av det nationella förbundet på Greyfriars kyrkogård och Slaget vid Waterloo. Great King Street Felix Yaniewiscz Felix Yaniewiscz var en polsk violinist och kompositör. Han föddes 1762. Han flyttade till Edinburgh 1815 och var medorganisatör för den första Edinburgh Music Festival. Han bodde på Great King Street från 1823 till sin död i maj 1848. Sir J.M. Barrie Sir JM Barrie var känd för sin bok Peter Pan. James Matthew Barrie tog examen från Edinburghs universitet 1882. Historiskt sett måste hans karaktär Peter Pan vara känd av fler människor världen över än någon annan karaktär. Han tillbringade många år i Edinburgh. Han var kansler för Edinburghs universitet under sina sista år, från 1930 till 1937. Cumberlandgatan Edinburghs nya stad Nordöstra Uppkallad efter hertig Cumberland, kung George III:s femte son. Jean Thomas Harris Rotaryklubben Jean Thomson föddes på Cumberland Street och bodde där med sina föräldrar tills hon 1892 flyttade till Comely Bank Avenue. Hon flyttade till Amerika och bodde i Chicago där hon träffade sin man, Paul Harris. Hennes man var advokat i Chicago och den 23 februari 1905 bildade han vad som skulle bli en världsomspännande organisation (Rotary Club). Jean blev hedersmedlem i Inner Wheel Club i Edinburgh 1946. Hon dog i Edinburgh och är begravd i Newington. Cunberland Street Edinburgh New Town North West

  • Princes Street | Edinburgh New Town | All About Edinburgh

    Edinburgh New Town Princes Street is one of three main streets in the original new town of Edinburgh. Princes Street has Shops on the north side and the southside is two gardens East and West Princes Street Garden. Princes Street Edinburgh Attractions and History Princes Street Shops Princes Street Edinburgh Attractions Edinburgh’s famous Street “Princes Street” originally named St. Giles Street after the city’s patron saint, Saint Giles. King George III, after consideration, rejected the name St. Giles Street as St Giles being the patron saint of lepers and also the name of a slum area on the edge of the City of London. It was renamed Princes Street after his sons, the Princes. Princes Street is approximately 2kms in length with shops on the north side and gardens on the south side of the street. First House in Princes Street The first house built in Princes Street was No 10 in 1769. This was Silk Mercer (haberdasher) owner Mr John Neale. Then Pooles Coffee House 1783, then Archibald Constable purchased the house in 1822. Princes Street Gardens Princes Street Gardens is a public park in the centre of Edinburgh in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Before the gardens were formed ( West Gardens Laid 1816-20 and East Gardens Laid 1830), a Loch (Lake) surrounded the Castle Rock, separating the two Gardens West and East is the Mound (building started 1781) which was formed from earth and rubble when the new town was under construction, it became a connection between Old and New Edinburgh. Multrees Hill The Street's name Multrees Walk is derived from the family Montrays who lived here in the reign James V. The hill taking its name from the family. The hill was on the highest point before Calton hill and was used for hangings and displaying the dead on poles as a deterant to others. Later the area of Multrees Hill, was developed into a small village of workshops prior to the new town and North Bridge being Built. Lang Dykes From Multrees Hill on the east to Kirkbraehead (Rutland Square) on the west. This road was called the ' Lang gait,' or 'Lang dykes,' a country road walled on either side with farm lands on the north side. The main road from east to west now replaced by the New Town. The road now where Rose Street is. The Nor Loch (Princes Street Gardens) The Nor Loch stretched from under the North Bridge where the Waverley Station is now and in the west at the edge of St Cuthbert's Church, the Castle Rock and King's Stables Road. The draining of the Nor Loch was required due to the fact that it had been heavily polluted from centuries of sewage draining downhill from the Old Town. The draining of the Nor Loch began in 1759 by way of making a canal that emptied into Lochend at the back of Calton Hill. The Gardens were then laid. In the 1840s the railway was built in the valley, and Waverley Station opened in its present form in 1854. The first station was originally named Canal Street Station where Waverley Market now sta nds . Register House Princes Street Edinburgh Register House can be found at the foot of North Bridge Edinburgh built on what was at the time called Multrees Hill. It was opened in the 1790 and New Register House on the west side of the building in West Register Street was completed in the 1858. The buildings were built to store records of registry (births, deaths and marriages) and is also where the Tartan registry is now housed. Directly outside Register House can be found the Duke of Wellington’s statue which was erected in 1852 in memory of the Battle of Waterloo. Waterloo Place leading to the Calton Hill is also named in memory of the Battle of Waterloo which took place in 1815. Register House Duke of Wellington Statue Princes Street Edinburgh Directly outside Register House can be found the Duke of Wellington’s statue which was erected in 1852 in memory of the Battle of Waterloo. Waterloo Place leading to the Calton Hill is also named in memory of the Battle of Waterloo which took place in 1815. The name of the horse erected in 1852. The Horse was called Copenhagen. Ritchie Clock Edinburgh Circle The clock that can be found on the west side of the Wellington Statue is a clock that was part of the “Edinburgh Circle” a number of electronic clocks placed around the city by Frederick James Ritchie to give the correct time to Edinburgh’s residents. Jenner's Department Store (one of the world's first department stores) The original store opened in 1838 by 2 out of work drapers Charles Jenner and Charles Kennington at 47 Princes Street. The store grew with its popularity of fine goods and over time acquired 2 further premises in Princes Street and 8 in South St David Street to make it the largest department store in the United Kingdom. In early 1860s when Charles Kennington retired Charles Jenner became sole proprietor. The Store was burnt to the ground and rebuilt in 1893 by the same architect that designed the North British Railway Hotel (The Balmoral). The reopening of Jenner’s was in 1895 and was successful as an independent Department store until the House of Fraser group took over in 2005. Not surprisingly the Royal Warrant was awarded to the store in 1911 as the Royals at the time were frequent customers The Forsyth Armillary Sphere Princes Street Edinburgh First steel framed Building in Scotland. An icon of the Edinburgh skyline for over one hundred years. This corner building was the first to be built with a full steel-frame in Scotland date 1906. The corner store features the Forsyth Armillary Sphere which has the signs of the zodiac around the centre with 3 Gilt cherub figures holding the sphere in place. North British Station Hotel (The Balmoral Hotel ) Edinburgh The North British Station Hotel (The Balmoral) opened for Business in 1902 and is positioned next to the Waverley Station Between Waverley Bridge and the North Bridge, which gives direct access to Edinburgh’s old town, The Royal Mile, The Castle and The Palace of Holyrood House (Holyrood Palace). Directly behind the hotel is Calton Hill. The Hotel is at the east end of Princes Street, one of the most famous and picturesque streets in the world. The clock has historically been set 5 minutes fast giving rail travellers the illusion that they are late for their train. The site it stands on is where the first ever hotel in Edinburgh stood. The first hotel being The Crown in 1811 and then changed to Royal Eagle and Prince Regent before being demolished to make way for modernisation and the building of the present hotel. Royal Scottish Academy of Art Mound Edinburgh The oldest and most prestigious academy of contemporary art in Scotland. The Academy is active in the promotion of young artists from Scotland’s Colleges of Art and Architecture and takes a lead role in promoting living artists in Scotland. Royal Scottish Academy seen with the entrance from Princes Street Edinburgh. Royal Scottish Academy of Art Edinburgh’s Waverley Mall and Waverley Train Station The Waverley Train Station entrance in Princes Street is one of 4 entrances into the Waverley rail Station which is below street level. The Station was built in 1854 and is the main rail station in Edinburgh where you can travel in all direction with a direct line to London with a journey time of just over 4 hours. There are trains to Highlands, Glasgow, the Scottish Borders all points north and south. Dean Ramsay Cross Dean Ramsay was a clergyman in St John’s for 45 years. The Celtic Cross in his memory can be seen at the east end of the church near the entrance to Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh. Anne Rutherford (Mrs Walter Scott Esq) 1733 - 1819 Anne Rutherford was born in 1733 and died in 1819 her grave can be seen on the east side St John’s Church west end Edinburgh. Her father was John Rutherford and her mother Jean Swinton. The Swinton family being one of the oldest families in Scotland. Anne Rutherford was mother of Sir Walter Scott her ninth child, six of which died in infancy. Sir Walter Scott’s, grandmother was a Halliburton which gave the Scott family the hereditary right to be buried in Dryburgh Abbey. Where Walter Scott is buried with family members. Sir Henry Raeburn R.A. 1756 -1823 Sir Henry Raeburn R.A. was born in Edinburgh in 1756 and became Scotland’s foremost portrait painter. He lived in Stockbridge area north of Edinburgh. HIs studio Raeburn House where he worked is in York Place Edinburgh an extension of Queen Street which was an original part of Edinburgh’s new town. He was knighted in 1822 and was portrait painter to King George IV. His work can be seen in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and on the outside wall of the Gallery stands a statue of Sir Henry Raeburn amongst others. A memorial stone is in St John’s Church at the west end of Princes Street close to Sir Walter Scott’s mothers grave. George Burnett 1822 -1890 George Burnett Lyon King of Arms grave stone is in St John’s graveyard at the west end of Princes Street Edinburgh. George was born in 1822 son of John Burnett, Fifth Laird of Kemnay Inverurie. The family home Kemnay House would pass to Alexander the 6th Laird, George’s older brother. George became a lawyer in 1845 a member of the faculty of Advocates and was appointed Lord Lyon King of Arms in 1866. He remained in the position until his death in 1890. Lord Lyon King of Arms is the most junior of the Great Officers of State in Scotland and is the Scottish official with responsibility for regulating heraldry in that country. Johnnie alker Visitor Centre Johnnie Walker Visitor Centre Old Clock 1962 the Clock on the corner of Princes Street and Hope Street was erected in 1962 and twice each hour the miniature Pipers circled the base of the Clock playing the tune Scotland the Brave. This was originally a Binns department store built in 1935 for a company founded in Sunderland in 1811 by a draper called George Binns. History of John Walker John Menzies 61 Princes Street John Menzies moved from London to Edinburgh at the age of 25 and opened a book shop in 1833 at 61 Princes Street, Edinburgh. With in a few years it became what is now known as a newsagents, being the first to sell The Scotsman newspaper (another business still trading) over the counter. John Menzies is now Menzies Aviation and is still going strong. Next - Waverley Bridge

  • High Street | Upper Northside | All About Edinburgh

    High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh is the largest part of the old town. High Street 2 is the Upper Northside with the famous 17th century Real Mary King's Close. All About Edinburgh has listed all attractions of the High Street in 4 pages. High Street Upper Northside Royal Mile Edinburgh High Street History High Street was the most populated part of Edinburgh, with tenement buildings up to 11 stories high. On November 15th 1824 a tenement of 11 stories on the upper or High Street West, southside caught alight and was the beginning of the worst fire in the history of Edinburgh. Starting at around 10 pm that evening the fire spread from the tenement in Assembly Close to buildings in Old Fishmarket close. Down to the Tron Kirk in the east. It also spread south along the Cowgate. The fire was finally extinguished the next morning 12 hours from when it had started. That was not the end, as another fire started at 10 pm that evening which destroyed what was left on the south side of the High Street. All but St Giles Cathedral and the Parliament buildings were saved. Over four hundred families were left homeless. High Street Upper Northside Royal Mile Edinburgh Byre's Close Royal Mile Advocate's Close Royal Mile Roxburgh's Close Royal Mile Warriston's Close Royal Mile Writer's Court Royal Mile Mary King's Close Allan's Close Royal Mile Craig's Close Royal Mile Anchor Close Royal Mile Geddes' Entry Royal Mile North Foulis' Close Royal Mile Old Stamp Office Close Royal Mile Lyon's Close Royal Mile Jackson's Close Royal Mile Fleshmarket Close Royal Mile Cockburn Street North Bridge Byre’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Byres Close is where Adam Bothwell the Bishop of Orkney’s Mansion stood. Last to reside in the Close was said to be one of the wealthiest people in Scotland Sir William Dick of Braid, Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1638 and relation to the Baronets of Prestonfield. Advocate’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Advocate’s Close was named after Sir James Stewart of Goodtrees (Lord Advocate of Scotland 1692 – 1713). The Stewart family owned and lived in the Close from 1648 – 1769. Advocates Close has had many names as the name would change by the owner at the time. Oliver Cromwell visited here on two occasions. other occupants of the Close were David Dalrymple, Lord Westhall, Andrew Crosbie and the artist John Scougal to William III. Also the Mansion of Bishop Bothwell circa 1590. There are two doorway with inscribed lintels No 2 Old Scottish tradition the initials of both husband and wife and date they moved in to house, Clement Cor built the tenement circa 1590, his wife, Helen Bellenden.Inscriptions : C.C H.B SPES . ALTERA . VITAE (Hope The Other Life). 1590 The other lintel Inscriptions : O Lord (not readable). Roxburgh’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Roxburgh’s Close on the north side of the High Street in the Royal Mile Edinburgh is named after John Roxburgh a chef and Burgess of Edinburgh in 1605. As most close’s the name changed with the owner of the land as this was owned originally by Henry Cant who owned property in Advocate’s Close. The Close is also famous for another resident Donnchadh Ban MacIntyre a famous Gaelic Poet. At the foot of Roxburgh’s Close is a courtyard which I believe was part of Writers’ Court as the doorway from Warriston’s close that enters the building where Zizzi restaurant stands has a lintel with the initials of the Chambers brothers Robert and William and the date 1851. In the centre of Roxburgh Court are four iron slabs with carvings and dates with names. The four slabs represent the trees that once stood in the courtyard and the dates of their planting. The trees are from new world destinations of the time. 1725 Acer Saccharinum (silver maple from North American Maple).1767 Betula dalecarlica (A Swedish Birch tree from Sweden), 1842 Betula Utilis (Himalayan Birch Tree from Nepal), 1906 Sorbus Commixta (Japanese rowan tree from Japan). Warriston’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Warriston’s Close named after Lord Warriston who lived in the close, as did Sir Thomas Craig of Riccarton. William and Robert Chambers who lived in Writers’ Close on the west side of Warriston’s Close were just a few of the famous residents. The previous name of the close were Bruce’s Close after Robert Bruce of Stirling who lived here in 1566. Access to Warriston Close can also be gained from Roxburgh’s Close. Thee other more famous close which can be accessed from Warriston’s Close is Real Mary King’s Close. This close can only be accessed from the attraction as this is an underground street and possibly buried when the plague was at its height. John Knox Manse Warriston's Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh The site of John Knox’s Manse can be found in Warriston’s Close. Go in the Archway marked Warriston’s Close and Writer’s Court and turn left and down steps and you will see the plaque next to a black door. Other people who lived here are Sir Archibald Johnston (Lord Warriston) 1611 -1663, who named the Close. As the naming of closes and land (tenements) was usually done by the owners. Writers’ Court High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Writers' Court is found off Warriston's Close The lintel of the door is where the court once stood. The initials are WC (William Chambers) a publisher and printer like his brother RC (Robert Chambers). They lived in Writers' Court in 1851. Real Mary King’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh This is a real look back in to Edinburgh’s past. The underground streets and places where the people of Edinburgh lived, a historically accurate example of life in Edinburgh between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, Tales of ghosts, legends and murders. Where the plague victims were walled up and left to die. Take the guided tour based on a onetime resident, and listen to the fascinating stories. Real Mary Kings Close Edinburgh and the entrance to the underground street. Edinburgh City Chambers High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Exchange Buildings foundation stone was laid in September 1753 by the Grand Master of the Scottish masons George Drummond. The New Royal Exchange was completed in 1761. Designed by John Adam. In 1811 it became the City Chambers when the Town Council moved here from the Tolbooth. The Edinburgh Council Chambers was extended in 1904 and 1934 it has served as the administrative centre for Edinburgh Corporation, since 1975 for the Council of the City of Edinburgh The inscription on the bronze plaque reads; THE CITY CHAMBERS – FORMERLY – THE ROYAL EXCHANGE – DESIGNED BY JOHN ADAM THE ELDEST OF THE ADAM BROTHERS. – THIS BUILDING WAS ERECTED 1753 – 1761 – AS AN EXCHANGE AND CUSTOMS HOUSE – IN 1811 IT BECAME THE CITY CHAMBERS – WHEN THE TOWN COUNCIL MOVED HERE FROM THE TOLBOOTH. – EXTENDED IN 1904 AND 1924 IT SERVED AS – THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE FOR EDINBURGH CORPORATION – AND SINCE 1978 FOR THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDINBURGH – PRESENTED IN 1983 BY THE OLD EDINBURGH CLUB FOUNDED IN THE OLD COUNCIL CHAMBERS 29 JANUARY 1908 – Lord Provost George Drummond, laid the foundation-stone in September 1753. Edinburgh Award Golden Hands High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Award printed on the paving stones of the City Chambers quadrangle you can see the golden hands of famous people awarded by Edinburgh, such as Author J.K. Rowling Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, Artist Richard Demarco, Author Ian Rankin, Singer Annie Lennox, Scientist Professor Peter Higgs, George Kerr CBE Judo 10th Dan, Dame Elizabeth Blackadder Painter, 46664 Concert Nelson Mandela speech. Tom Gilzean icon of the Royal Mile, Ken Buchanan Boxer, Undisputed World Lightweight Champion. The High Constables of Edinburgh Plaque Edinburgh’s Police Force, in the year 1611 the privy council of King James VI ordered the Burgh to appoint constables to impose law and order on the streets of Edinburgh. This was taken over by a regular police force in Edinburgh in 1805. Alexander the Great with his Horse Bucephalus City Chambers High Street Edinburgh The statue that stands in Edinburgh City Chambers quadrangle is of Alexander the Great and his horse Bucephalus. The statue was cast in Bronze in 1883. The wondrous horse Bucephalus the horse that Alexander the Great rode for thousands of miles and through many battles to create his mighty empire. Both Horse Bucephalus and owner Alexander the Great tower over the square of Edinburgh City Chambers on the High Street in the Royal Mile. General Stanislaw Wadyslaw Maczek Statue 1892 -1994 General Stanislaw Wadyslaw Maczek reach the rank Lieutenant General in the Polish army and was the commander of the 1st Polish Panzer Division in World War II. Stanislaw was born in Lwow Poland in 1892 fought in the 1st World War with the Austrian Army and in the 2nd World War was Commander of the new formed 1st Polish Armoured Division, nicknamed “Black Division” which was created in February 1942 at Duns in Scotland. Stanislaw and his Polish Army numbering circa 1600 were trained over 2 years in Scotland before they took park in the Normandy Landings in 1944. He and his men were instrumental in the major part of the war in France and Germany and after the war he was left homeless. A friend and Sargent in his command gave him a job in his bar in Edinburgh. In 1985 he was invited to the city of Breda in the Netherlands for the anniversary of its liberation were he was given a heroes welcome. When he died at the age of 102 years in 1994 he was buried in the Polish military cemetery in Breda Netherlands. The Black Turnpike High Street Royal Mile Mary Queen of Scots Last Night in Edinburgh 1567. The Black Turnpike, also known as the ‘Auld Bishop of Dunkeld’s lodging’ was built in 1461 on the south side of the High Street immediately west of where the Tron Kirk now stands. It was demolished in 1788 to make way for Hunter Square and Blair Street. The plaque can be seen on the wall of the City Chambers.The inscription reads “On this site stood the lodging of Sir Simon Preston of Craigmillar (known as the Black Turnpike) the lord provost of the city of Edinburgh 1566 – 1567 in which lodging Mary Queen of Scotland after her surrender to the confederate lords at Carberry Hill was imprisoned overnight in Edinburgh 15 June 1567 in a stone chamber 13-foot square and 8-foot high. On the following evening she was conveyed to Holyrood and thereafter to Loch Leven Castle as a state prisoner. After 19 years of captivity, Mary was tried and condemned to death in October 1586, ending only with her execution at Fotheringhay on 8 February 1587”. To see more about Mary Queen of Scots visit Jedburgh where you can walk round where she once lived. With many interesting artefacts on display. Hugh Miller (1802 – 1856) Plaque High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Geologist Naturalist and Folklorist. There is a bust of Hugh Miller in the Hall of Heroes at the Wallace Monument in Stirling. Hugh Miller was editor of Witness, an evangelical newspaper established in 1840 by the Scottish geologist and writer. He committed suicide in December 1856. A shocked Western world mourned him, and his funeral procession was among the largest in the memory of Edinburgh residents. He lived in the seaside area of Portobello. The City of Edinburgh War Memorial The memorial in front of the City Chambers building in the High Street Royal Mile. The stone of remembrance is to commemorate the people of Edinburgh who lost their lives in the 1st and 2nd World Wars It was unveiled on Armistice Day 1927 by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester son of King George V. Allan’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Allan’s Close was removed when the City Chambers extended their premises but a part of Allan’s Close remains underground and can only be seen on the Real Mary King’s Close tour of the old streets of Edinburgh. The Close has had several names over time and each has been from the owner that lived there at the time. Craig’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh The access to Craig’s Close from the High Street was closed when the Council offices were built in 1932. Link to Craig's Close Anchor Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Anchor’s Close was named after a tavern that was at the top of the close in 1714. The Close ran from the High Street to Market Street before Cockburn Street was built and dissected it. In 1718 it change Landlords to and Dawney Douglas’s Tavern which was a meeting place of the Crochallan Fencibles, a club with a membership of a number of the most distinguished men of the town. The Crochallan Fencibles Club was founded by William Smellie, a printer who founded the Encyclopaedia Britannica. He also printed the first Edinburgh edition of Burns in 1787. Anchor Close has had many names as the name would change by the owner at the time. The Crochallan Fencibles was a convivial club for gentlemen which met in Dawney Douglas’s Tavern. William Smellie’s Printed Burns Poems and Allan Masterton wrote the music for Burns songs were also members of the club. Dawney Douglas’s Tavern was a very popular place as it served very good food at a very affordable price. On the east side of the Close there are two 17th-century buildings, originally of four storeys. A doorway on the west side of the Close has a 17th-century inscription ”LORD BE MERCIFUL TO ME” and was the entrance to Dawney Douglas’s Tavern where the Crochallan Fencibles Club met. Geddes’ Entry High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh John Kay 1742 – 1826 Geddes’ Entry connects with North Foulis’ Close and Old Stamp Office Close and was named after Robert Geddes of Scotstoun a surgeon by profession. On the front wall above the shops can be seen a plaque to John Kay. John Kay was a trained Barber and opened a shop at High Street where he became established and a member of the corporation of barber-surgeons in 1771. John Kay then changed his trade to become a successful painter of miniatures and also publishing sketches and caricatures of the local people which many were unhappy about the way they were portrayed. North Foulis’ Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh North Foulis Close named after John Foulis, who owned the land were he traded as an apothecary (Chemist) and owner of a tenement in the close it was North because of further down the High Street was South Foulis’ Close at No 32 with no connection to this close or owner, near to Hyndford’s Close. James Gillespie James Gillespie was an Edinburgh city merchant and founder of James Gillespie’s Hospital and School. The hospital opened in 1802 and could accommodate up to 66 Pensioners and the school. The school was originally sited at Gillespie Crescent near to the original hospital at Wright’s house. James Gillespie was born in Edinburgh on the 28 April 1726 and died at his home in Spylaw, Colinton a suburb of Edinburgh on 8 April 1797. His brothers, John and James were Tobacco and snuff merchants at 231 High street Edinburgh and had their own factory at the back of their house at Spylaw. Due to the civil war in the Americas they were a main British supplier to the trade and controlled the prices at the time. The inscription on the plaque reads; Formerly | the shop of | James Gillespie | of Spylaw | Tobacco and Snuff | Manufacturer | Founder of | James Gillespie’s | Hospital | and Schools | died 8 April 1797 | erected by | The governors 1883 Old Stamp Office Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh The Close’s in Edinburgh were named after the owners of buildings in the close at the time and thus had many names through time. Old Stamp Office Close was where the Stamp Office was for many years until it moved to Waterloo Place in 1821. It was the first place the Royal Bank of Scotland had offices when they were constituted in 1727 and remained here till 1753. It was also where Countess Eglinton and her seven beautiful daughters lived. Lady Eglinton and her daughters were the people to invite to any dance or party in the 1700s. There was also a school where the famous Flora McDonald of Skye was educated. She was famous for assisting Bonnie Prince Charlie in his escape after the battle of Culloden. The close has also been named after taverns, Ship Tavern close and Fortune’s Close. Both of these Taverns were in this close. Lyon’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Lyon’s Close 215 High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh between Old Stamp Office Close and Jackson’s Close. Possible entrance to Hospice of Elsie Inglis. Elsie Inglis was born on 16 August 1864 in Nainital India she first moved with her parents to Edinburgh in 1878 In 1892 Elsie Inglis qualified as a licentiate at the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons in Edinburgh and Glasgow. In 1904 the small hospital opened by the Inglis family moved to the 219 High Street and was renamed The Hospice. In 1905 Inglis was appointed senior consultant of the Bruntsfield Hospital, which then merged with The Hospice in 1911. Elsie Inglis died on the 26 November 1917, she is interned in Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh. From funds that had been raise previously the remainder was used to establish the Elsie Inglis Memorial Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh in July 1925 which later became a part of the Royal Infirmary and still bears her name. Jackson’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Jackson’s Close on the North side of the upper High Street Royal Mile is named after John Jackson’s and his family who lived in the close from circa 1570 to at least 1893 when they sold property in the close. This close ends at Cockburn Street where many close’s were either split in two or shortened by the building of Cockburn Street which was a thoroughfare to Waverley Rail Station. King Charles I Plaque Jackson's Close When King Charles I decreed that the protestant book of common order was to replaced by a new catholic influenced Service book, he didn’t reckon with the reaction of the Scots! The anger felt by the people reached its peak in the church of St Giles in Edinburgh on the 22nd July 1637. When the Dean conducting the service began to read from the new service book. An old woman named Jenny Geddes flung her stool at the Dean’s head crying “Dost thou say mass at my lug?” thereby ensuring her place in history as a Scottish heroine. Fleshmarket Close Edinburgh Fleshmarket Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Fleshmarket Close stretched from the High Street North to Market Street before Cockburn Street was built (circa 1860) it cut through many old closes that stretched from the High Street northwards, which evidence of can be seen in Fleshmarket Close where the smallest pub in Edinburgh can be found as well as Ginglin’ Geordies Tavern both on the north side of the severed close. On the High street side of the Fleshmarket Close was where Henry Dundas first practised as an Advocate and was to become the most powerful person in Scotland. Edinburgh’s Smallest Pub Halfway House Fleshmarket Close Edinburgh The smallest pub in Edinburgh can be found halfway down the north side of Fleshmarket Close on the way to the Market Street entrance of Waverley train station. This tavern offers real ale from all over Scotland. Jinglin’ Geordie’s Pub Fleshmarket Close Edinburgh Jinglin’ Geordie’s in Fleshmarket Close was named after George Heriot a famous Edinburgh Jeweller and Goldsmith 1563 – 1624. George Heriot was Jeweller and Goldsmith to King James VI. When George Heriot died he had no family so he left his estate to build a school for the education of “Puire fatherless bairns o the toun of Edinburgh” (poor fatherless children of Edinburgh). The school is still a centre for education and has been described as the school J.K.Rowling’s inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books. The picture shows Jnglin’ Geordie’s Tavern looking up Fleshmarket Close to Cockburn Street. The short cut to the High Street Royal Mile from Market Street and Waverley Train Station Cockburn Street High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Link To Cockburn Street Next - Real Mary King's Close

  • Thistle Street | Edinburgh New Town | All About Edinburgh

    New Town Edinburgh Thistle Street Edinburgh the first house was built in Edinburgh's New Towns at the north west edge of St Andrews Square named Rose Court, built in 1767. It is now Thistle Court and Still in use today. Thistle Street Edinburgh New Town Attractions Thistle Street was one of the streets in the design plans of the New Town of 1759. It was to run parallel with Princes Street, George Street, and Queen street. Between George Street and Queen Street named after the Scottish emblem the Thistle of Scotland. However, the two architects that completed the New Town requested streets to be named after them and it was decided to reduce the length of Thistle Street to enable Mr Hill and Mr Young a street each thereafter Thistle street becoming from the west end, Young Street, Hill Street, then the remainder remaining Thistle Street as it is today. THE FIRST HOUSES BUILT IN NEW TOWN 1767 The houses can be found in thistle court at the east end of the New Town. Thistle Court was originally called Rose Court. George Street - Hanover Street - Frederick Street

  • Dean Village Area | Attractions | All About Edinburgh

    Dean Village at the Water of Leith mentioned by King David I in 1143. Dean Village Edinburgh Dean Village Dean Village was a small village outside Edinburgh known as Water o Leith Village, and was famous as a grain milling area for over 800 years. The name Dean (Dene) meaning Deep Gorge. The village has steep hills on all sides. The Dean Village with the Water of Leith flowing through, grew as a community in the 1100s from the many mills that were built on the river banks. You will see many stones carved with crossed paddles of the bakers, as this area supplied all the bakers of Edinburgh with their flour. The Incorporation of Baxters (bakers) was a crucial role in Dean Village, controlling the grain milling industry from the 12th century. Mills were first mentioned in 1143 by David I. Dean Bridge - Kirkbrae House The house on the corner of the bridge was once a Tavern and Bakers, the square panel on the wall shows a sun with two arms below, one holding scales and the other a wheat sheaf, with two baker’s paddles crossed. The inscription below reads: IN THE SWEAT OF THY FACE SHALT | THOU EAT BREAD | GEN 3 VERSE 19 | ANNO DOM 1619 Known as ‘The Baxter’s Stone. Put on this wall in 1893 from a demolished mill. The Dean Bridge The Dean Bridge was designed by Thomas Telford, and was completed in 1832 and opened in 1833. The Dean Bridge was Thomas Telford’s last project at the age 73 and retirement. The Dean Bridge with 4 arches is 447 feet long (136m) and 39 feet wide (12m) and built on four arches rising 106 feet (32m) above the river. Prior to the building of the Dean Bridge the only way across the river in to Edinburgh was by a ford in the river, which had been crossed since medieval times (5th to 15th centuries). A bridge, of wooden structure across the water of Leith was built in the 5th century. It is now a stone bridge (Bell’s Brae Bridge). The building of Dean Bridge gave access to the north for further extension of Edinburgh’s New Town. Views from the Dean Bridge Looking over the Dean Bridge West the Dean Village, East the New Town Randolph Cliff built on series of underground stone arches. The arches protect Randolph Cliff, Randolph Crescent, Great Stuart Street, Ainslie Place, and Moray Place from tumbling down into the Water of Leith. Designed by 1822 by, architect James Gillespie Graham for Francis Stuart, the 10th Earl of Moray on the Moray Estate which covers most of the western new town. The Dean Village and looking down a sailor down on his luck wondering if I jump will I survive. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Gothic church at the North end of the Dean Bridge. The church is in its original state from when design / built by John Henderson, 1837-8. Henderson has built many churches in Scotland to a Gothic design. The church was converted into an electric sub-station in 1957. It is now the Rhema Christian Centre Church. Belgrave and Buckingham Area Belgrave Crescent was built on land bought by property developer and Lord Provost of Edinburgh James Steel, Designed by John Chesser and completed in 1874. The land between Water of Leith and the new houses also purchased by Steel, which became private gardens for the residents. The gardens designed by James Jeffery and completed in 1876. Buckingham Terrace was also part of the Steel development designed by Chesser which was completed in 1831. Bristo Baptist Church In 1765 in Bristo Place Original Scotch Baptist Church ‘the Scotch Baptist Church’ Bristo Baptist Church is the mother church for the Baptist movement in Scotland. A purpose-built chapel was constructed at Bristo Place in 1836. The designation ‘Scotch’ was discontinued from the church’s title in 1927. In 1932, the present site here on Buckingham Terrace was purchased for £1,000 In October 1933, the Memorial Stone of the new building on Queensferry Road was laid and the first service took place on Wednesday, 20th February, 1935. The church has a long history and is the second oldest Baptist church in Scotland Bible on Dean Path side inscription: SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES S. JOHN V. CH.39 The Dean Parish Church The first church in Dean Path was built in 1836 then demolished and replaced by the present church in 1903. This was the main church for the Dean Village population. With the reducing congregation the church closed in 2006. It is now known as The Dean and is used as an Assembly Hall and Event Venue for the nearby Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools (ESMS). Dean Cemetery Edinburgh The Dean Village is named from Dean House and the Nisbet family who owned the lands. The House was demolished in 1843 and in 1845 the Dean Cemetery was created. A carved heraldic panel from Dean House, now installed on a wall in Dean Cemetery, is decorated with three boars’ heads around a chevron, all surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves, and carries the initials HN for Henry Nisbet born 1535 who died in 1608 The Notable Graves of The Dean Cemetery David Octavius Hill, Colonel Robert Smith, James Buchanan, Lord Francis Jeffrey, James Falshaw James Nasmyth, Alexander Nasmyth Artist, Lord Henry Cockburn, Robert McVitie, Lord Andrew Rutherfurd, James Hamilton, Sir Thomas Bouch, Alexander Russell, James Stevenson, William H Playfair, George Combe, Cameron Highlanders Obelisk, Robert Chamber, Sir John Ritchie Findlay, Thomas Drybrough, Flora Stevenson, Louisa Stevenson, Elsie Inglis, Dr Joseph Bell (LINK TO CEMETERY ) 29 Dean Path The house on Dean Path was dates from circa 1790 with a Victorian-era post box ("VR" Cypher) circa 1850 still present. This may have been the post house in its time. The tenements in Dean Path, now all demolished and rebuilt, were where most of the families lived. Dean Village School The Old School house on Bell’s Brae was built in 1872 and a historic part of the Dean Village. The public school educated the local children until it closed in 1961. It was able to hold up to 400 children by 1961 there were only 37 pupils. Carvings can be seen "Education" above the ground floor windows and a tablet on the front with the words “Edinburgh School Board 1875” Old West Mill Building The stone building over the bridge with round windows is the Old West Mill, built in 1805. At the top of the building you can see a wheat sheaf. The mill is one of few surviving examples in the Dean Village of its former industrial heritage. Particularly based on grain milling, many of which utilised power provided by the Water of Leith. Bells Brae Bridge In the centre of the Dean village is the Bells Brae Bridge which was the original crossing point of the Water of Leith as it was shallow and narrow. Getting to and from Edinburgh this the only crossing. In the 5th century a single arch bridge which was wide enough for a carriage with horses. The Dean Village stands below the Belford Bridge which was built in 1887 to carry Belford Road. Bells Brae Bridge was built in 1830 replacing previous bridges, the old road from Edinburgh to Queensferry. Well Court- Dean Village The most impressive buildings are of Well Court. Built in 1884 by the then owner of the Scotsman newspaper Sir John Ritchie Findlay. Well Court had its own hall for socialising with a clock tower a communal court yard, and accommodation (tenements). For his staff who worked for Sir John at the Scotsman newspaper in Edinburgh. Well Court - John Ritchie Findlay Plaque on Well Court and Portrait of Sir John Ritchie Findlay in National Portrait Gallery Inscription, In memory of John Ritchie Findlay The founder of The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland and donor of this building. Dean Path Footbridge This foot bridge takes you over the Water of Leith from Hawthornbank Lane to Well Court, Old West Mill and the Village School house. Along the water side about 100 metres is a waterfall which was a weir (a low dam) which was used to power the mills. A great variety of wild life. The Plague The burgh records mention that the pest was in the Dene On the 15th June 1513 and no one from the area was allowed to enter the walls of Edinburgh. If a women entered she would be branded on the cheek. If a man entered the punishment would be sever even hung. Merchants House 17 Bells Brae The building on the south west corner of Bell’s Brae Bridge is one of the oldest buildings that still remains from the Water of Leith Village built circa 1650. 17 Bells Brae, was where the head of the local merchants' guild lived who oversaw the village's milling industry. It was also a local shop run by A W Kemp in the 20th century The Granary | Old Tollbooth The Granary was built in 1675 (yellow building in photo) known as the Old Tollbooth Inscribed in two lines GOD BLESS THE BAXTERS OF EDINBURGH WHO BUILT THIS HOUS 1675. On the cornice is a carved panel with a circular garland, a wheat-sheaf flanked by two cherub's heads another inscription GODS PROVIDENCE IS OUR | INHERITANCE 1677, The Last Mill at Bell's Mills was nearly totally destroyed by an explosion in 1971. Hawthornbank Lane Hawthornbank lane is part of the original milling hamlet known the Dene or Water of Leith Village and was famous as a grain milling area for over 800 years. The name Dene (Dean) meaning Deep Gorge. The Dean Village with the Water of Leith flowing through, grew as a community in the 1100s from the numerous mills that were built on the river banks. Miller’s Row On the pathway towards Leith under the Dean Bridge is an area called Miller’s Row old houses for the mill workers. Also you can see three mill stones resting against each other previously used in the Granaries in the 1600s. Look over the wall to see a waterfall which is another part of the weir St George's Well The Water of Leith and the source of the mineral water for St Bernard's Well and St George's Well. St George's Well is on the banks of the Water of Leith near to Alexander Nasmyth's St Bernard's Well. Built in 1810 by Mr MacDonald of Stockbridge on the 50th year on the throne to commemorate the jubilee of George III. King George III celebrated his Golden Jubilee on October 25, 1809, marking the beginning of his 50th year on the throne. It was the first significant jubilee celebration in British history. The well was finally blocked up in 1969. St Bernard's Well A natural mineral spring was discovered on the Water of Leith near to Stockbridge in 1760, some claimed that the water could cure everything. Francis Garden, Lord Gardenstone of Troup the landowner, commissioned a building in 1789 to be erected over the well Alexander Nasmyth designed a Doric Temple, a copy of the Temple to the Sybil at Tivoli, the summer palace of the Roman emperors. The Temple has a domed ceiling supported by 10 columns which covers the statue of Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health The Well closed in 1940. There are two mineral wells on the Water of Leith one called St Bernard's Well and the other well a short distance west and this is called St George’s Well. This was also to have the same powers as St Bernard’s well but was never used to the extent of St Bernard's well. Hygeia Greek Goddess of Health The well named after St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) a French abbot, theologian, and major leader in the reform of the Cistercian Order which was present over Scotland, in 1136 an invitation of King David I lead to many Abbeys being built. Melrose Abbey: Founded in 1136, was Scotland's first Cistercian monastery. Famously for the place the heart of Robert the Bruce is buried. Also A pig playing bagpipes. William Nelson Memorial William Nelson was a publisher in Edinburgh and took it upon himself to renovate the St Bernard’s well as it had become in a state of disrepair. He used his own funds to renovate and improve its aesthetic look. The Dene Archway Water of Leith Walkway. The Dene to Belford Bridge. The Dene meaning Deep Gorge was first mentioned in 1143 when David I granted one of his mills of Dene to the Abbey monks of Holyrood. The Dene steps take you to St Bernard’s Bridge built in 1824. St Bernard’s Bridge Also known as Mackenzie Bridge possibly named after Samuel Mackenzie (portrait painter and pupil of Sir Henry Raeburn).The bridge was Built in 1824. The steps and added archways were built in 1887, with Edinburgh’s Coat of Arms above the western arch. The small arch was block off in 1890. The view over the Water of Leith east and west and the road from Mackenzie Place to Dean Terrace. The Dean Area The other parts of the Dean Village area Sunbury Street, Belford Mews, over the Belford Bridge (Belford Road). The Art Galleries Modern 1 and 2, Daniel Stewart's Hospital (School) Queensferry Road. Sunbury and Belford Mews Sunbury Mews John C Hay, 1886. 2-storey Scots Baronial mews building on narrow wedged site at head of Sunbury Mews and Sunbury Street terminated by large circular plan tower with conical roof; prominent crow stepped gables to E and W elevations. No.12 and 13 Belford Mews face Sunbury Mews in a courtyard once used stables, tack rooms, and carriage houses. Sunbury House Whytock and Reid well-detailed building purpose built in 1886 as a cabinet maker's workshop. The workshop provides a link to the industrial heritage of the Dean Village with nearby Sunbury Street a row of houses for artisans. Although now no longer occupied by the firm Whytock and Reid (converted for residential dwelling, 2008) the building was originally commissioned by Robert and Hugh Reid in 1886. The firm of Whytock and Reid received a Royal warrant in the early 19th century and supplied furniture to the Royal and major houses of Scotland. Whisky from the Dean Village The Water of Leith around the area of the Dean Village was the site of a number of Distilleries which are now closed. The Sunbury and Dean Distillers both closed many years ago but you can still get the taste of the Dean Whisky as it is now made at the Loch Lomond Distillery to the same traditional recipe as it was made in the Dean Distillery from 1818 to 1922. BELFORD BRIDGE A single-arch stone bridge near to the same spot was built for ease of crossing at the foot of Bell’s Brae in the Dean Village previously of wooden construction. Belford Road in Edinburgh was named after the Belford Bridge, which was built to carry the road over the Water of Leith. The road itself is part of the old route from Edinburgh to Queensferry, and the bridge was constructed in 1885-7. The river is the Water of Leith which flows from the Pentland Hills to the Port of Leith where it joins the Firth of Forth before joining the North Sea. There is a walk way at the side of the river with a visitors centre in Lanark Road that can give you detailed information on the best routes. The Water of Leith walkway extends from the Shore at Leith to Balerno a village suburb of Edinburgh over 19 km from the shore. The pathway is suitable for walking or cycling. COMMEMORATIVE STONE Carved in the stone on the Belford Bridge is: BELFORD BRIDGE ERECTED BY THE MAGISTRATES AND TOWN COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDINBURGH WITH THE AID OF THE LOCAL SUBSCRIPTIONS OBTAINED BY THE BELFORD BRIDGE ASSOCIATION OPENED BY THE RT HON SIR THOMAS CLARK (BART) LORD PROVOST JULY 1887 Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One Scottish Gallery of Modern Art One Ravelston Area Edinburgh Ravelston Area Edinburgh, The building was originally the home of John Watson’s Hospital (school) built in 1828 by William Burn with funds left by John Watson an Edinburgh solicitor on his death in 1762 and closed in 1975 due to lack of funding. The gallery opened at its present address in 1984. Set in large grounds it features a stepped S-shaped landform by Charles Jenks which provides the setting for a range of sculptures. The Gallery collection has approximately 5000 pieces ranging from prints and paintings to contemporary video installations are all house in the gallery. There is also a café for refreshments. The Plaque at the door to the Gallery of Modern Art reads; John Watson’s school 1828 – 1975 | This building originally John Watson’s Institute | was designed by William Burn in 1825, opening in 1828 under the aegis of the society of H M Writers | to the signet, its original purpose to house | maintain and educate destitute children, the | institution became John Watson’s school in 1934 | enrolling fee paying pupils while maintaining its | original purpose and by 1957 the school offered continuous education to all pupils from 5-18 years. | In 1975 despite its growing reputation John Watson’s school unexpectedly closed after the withdrawal | of its grant. The building reopened as the Scottish |National Gallery of Modern Art in 1984. Dean Gallery Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art 2 The Dean Gallery building was designed in 1833 by Thomas Hamilton and was originally an orphanage. The clock is said to be that of the Nether Bow Port that once stood as the gates to Edinburgh in the High Street. The Gallery opened in 1999 and is home for the Eduardo Paolozzi collection. In the grounds are sculpture and graphic art, It contains a large collection of Dada and Surrealist art and literature and also holds temporary exhibitions. There is a café for refreshments Next - Dean Cemetery Edinburgh Stewart's Hospital Ravelston Edinburgh Stewart's Hospital was also built in this area in 1855. Daniel Stewart a wealthy merchant of Edinburgh left money in his will in 1814 for a hospital (school) to be built for the unfortunate children that could not afford to be schooled in other institutions giving preference to families with the name Stewart. Melville College was a former school, Edinburgh Institution for Mathematics and Language, which opened in 1832 and renamed in 1936. Daniel Stewart’s College and Melville College were joined in 1972 and became, Daniel Stewart’s and Melville College. The School is now after amalgamation of three schools Mary Erskine School, Daniel Stewart’s College and Melville College, in 1974 created the largest independent family of schools in Europe.

  • High Street | Lower Southside | All About Edinburgh

    High Street Lower Southside Royal Mile Edinburgh. The High Street lower southside was where the wealthy lived between Niddry Street and Blackfriars Street. There are museums and historic buildings and the foot of the High Street was the end of Edinburgh where a wall Nether Foot Port stood. Heading 1 High Street Lower Southside Edinburgh Niddry Street - Blackfriars Street - St Mary's Street - Boyd's Entry High Street lower Southside Royal Mile Edinburgh The High Street in the Royal Mile can be found between the Royal Mile Lawnmarket and the Royal Mile Canongate. The Lower High Street or High Street East is from the cross roads at the North and South Bridges to the crossroads at Jeffery Street and St Mary’s Street where the city wall once stood. In this section you will find; Old St Paul's Church, Paisley Close, Trinity Apse Church, Museum of Childhood, John Knox House, Nether Bow, Carrubber’s Mission, New Palace Picture House, World’s End, Mowbray House, Nether Bow Wellhead, Tweeddale Court and The Scottish Story Telling Centre, Trunk's Close. Niddry Street Niddry Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Niddry Street originally called Niddry Wynd (Nudreis Wynd) is one of the oldest thoroughfares in old Edinburgh. The original Wynd would have been angled further west after re-positioning when the South Bridge was built. The Wynd extended across Cowgate to what is now South Niddry Street where the underground caverns have been found which were linked with the area that was previous to the south bridge being built. In 1750 when Niddry Wynd was widened it became Niddry Street. There were a number of important buildings which included St Cecilia’s Hall built in 1762 as a concert Hall and still exist to this day at the foot of Niddry Street as a Music Museum. Niddry Wynd was said to be named after a magistrate of Edinburgh in 1437 a Robert Niddry a member of the Niddry family of Wauchop. St Cecilia’s Music Museum Niddry Street Edinburgh St Cecilia’s Hall was built for the Musical Society of Edinburgh in 1762 by Robert Mylne (Milne) a Scottish architect and Stone mason from a famous Edinburgh family of builders and stonemasons. The Musical Society of Edinburgh previously occupied St Mary’s Chapel from 1728 – 1762 when they moved to St Cecilia’s Hall which was purpose built for them by Robert Milne in 1762. St Cecilia’s Hall had an auditorium that held 500 seated guests and concerts were held daily starting in the early evening and were always very well attended. Niddry Wynd was widened circa 1750 and was renamed as a Niddry Street. St Cecilia’s Hall is now part of the University of Edinburgh and has undergone a lengthy renovation. St Cecilia’s Hall is now a musical instrument museum and concert Hall which makes it one of the oldest remaining concert halls in Britain and oldest in Scotland still in use. Music Museum Dickson’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Dickson’s Close in the High Street on the Royal Mile Edinburgh was demolished when Niddry street was widened. All that remains is the Street sign above the door of the Radisson Blu Hotel. One of the Close’s occupants was a David Allan who was dubbed the “Scottish Hogarth” his illustrations and etchings were of great quality. He died in Edinburgh and is gravestone can be seen in the Old Calton Graveyard. Cant’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Cants Close was housing for the members of the Anglican Church. Cants Close Melrose Close Dickson’s Close and Niddry Wynd all were adjoining and were part of a very upmarket area for the nobility. The Cant family lived in the close for circa 100 years. Adam Cant 1403, Alexander Cant 1514 a wealthy family with land in many pars of Edinburgh. The Building was renovated in 1989 over a period of 15 months. Melrose Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Melrose Close was were the Abbot of Melrose (Andrew Durie) had his residence circa 1530 and the close was named after him. It was also known as Rosehaugh Close after Sir George McKenzie of Rosehaugh King’s Advocate. Sir George McKenzie (George Bloody Mackenzie) is still known today due to his tomb in Greyfriars which is said to be haunted. Blackfriars Street (Wynd) Royal Mile Edinburgh Blackfriars Street originally known as the Preaching Friar’s Vennel and Blackfriars Wynd. The name given due to the Street leading to the Black Friary of the Dominican Monks founded by Alexander II in 1230. The Wynd widened and became a Street and it was where Regent Morton had a mansion and many wealth Gentlemen and Ladies lived. Other significant history about Black Friars Wynd “Cleanse the Causeway” when the Hamilton’s and Douglas’s battled and the Earl of Bothwell and Sir William Stewart who Bothwell killed in Black friars Wynd. The Catholic Chapel which moved from Black friars Wynd in 1813 is now St Mary’s Cathedral at Broughton Street. Blackfriars Wynd was the centre of Edinburgh Nobility with Lords, Earls, Dukes, Bishops, Lady’s and Royals all at one time residing in the Wynd. There was a Palace and the first printing press in Scotland which printed the first book in 1508. Blackfriars Wynd to the east was demolished (circa 1840) due to the improvement Act and rebuilt, where the west side was left and the buildings between Cants Close and Dickson’s were mostly demolished and new builds were erected. The United Industrial School opened in 1847 to give all children both boys and girls, protestant and catholic an instruction in Craft work tailoring, carpentry, Leather work etc. and Knitting and housework. United Presbyterian Church The church building was specifically built and opened in 1871 and used by the congregation at Mary's Chapel on the High Street since 1860. Regent Morton’s Mansion Blackfriar's Street Regent Morton’s Mansion house in Blackfriars Wynd (now Street) was the town house of Regent Morton, James Douglas 4th Earl of Morton who was born circa 1525. James Douglas was the last regent of Scotland. He was executed on the 2nd of June 1581. His execution took place at the foot of the Canongate outside the Palace of Holyrood House on the “maiden”. The guillotine brought from England by himself as he had been impressed when watching how it was so efficient. James Douglas took an active part the abdication of Mary Queen of Scots.in 1567. He was executed for being part of the killing of Lord Darnley Mary Queen of Scots Husband. New Skinner’s Close Cross House, was originally built in 1643 as the Skinner's Hall for the Incorporated Trade of Skinners in Edinburgh. The Skinner's trade body since 1451 and received its charter in 1474. Regulators of the ancient craft of tanning skins, and making gloves, parchment, and leather goods. The United Industrial School was started in Blackfriars Wynd, Edinburgh, in a seventeenth-century building known as Skinner's Hall Edinburgh Mint known as Coinyie House. The Coinyie House Mint was situated off South Gray's Close, near the Cowgate in Edinburgh's Old Town. Name Origin: "Coinyie" is an old Scots term for "coin," hence the name "Coinyie House" Scottish Mint from 1574 until the Union with England in 1707, The mint buildings were demolished 1877, and the site was redeveloped into the Coinyie House Close garden. Lodge of Journeymen Blackfriar's Street The Lodge of Journeymen Masons has worked as a legal lodge since 1715 but the Grand Lodge of Scotland states the true date of formation was 1707. The Lodge of Journeymen Masons is unique due to the fact it may be the only lodge in the world which is allowed to charge fees and confer degrees but does not have the required charter from a Grand Lodge. The Journeymen lodge moved to 63 Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NB on the 8th August 1871. Above the door can be seen a stone tablet with insignia and inscriptions. Around lower edge of coat of arms shield the inscriptions reads: IN THE LORD IS ALL OUR TRUST On the panel below coat of arms LODGE JOURNEYMEN MASONS NO.8 REBUILT 1870 THOMAS FIELD. R.W.M. AND CONVENER OF THE TRADES Cardinal David Beaton Palace At the south west corner of Blackfriars Wynd and the boundary of the Cowgate stood the Archbishops Palace at the foot of Toddrick’s Wynd. Built in an L shape with a Porte-cochere giving access to a courtyard at the back. James (Bethune) Beaton lived here. The next resident was David Beaton nephew of James the Archbishop. The next to be resident was the High School of Edinburgh (Grammar Skule) prior to the new school building being completed where Blackfriars Monastery once stood. In February 1567 Mary Queen of Scots with her court went to the Cardinals Palace, where she had super before returning to Holyrood. This was the night Bothwell and accomplices made their way down Toddrick’s Wynd to Kirk o Field. The night Lord Darnley was murdered at Kirk o Field. The Palace and grounds were divided into lots and occupied by mostly poor Irish immigrants. Cardinal David Beaton Plaque David Beaton was born in 1494 and died in 1546. On 20 December 1539 David Beaton was made a Cardinal by Pope Paul III. Cardinal Beaton became a regent for Mary Queen of Scots and appointed himself the Chancellor of Scotland in 1543. He was disliked by most but was in favour with the royals of both France and Britain. He had many mistresses and 20 illegitimate children. He was arrested for fraud and the cause of the rough wooing, Henry the VIII invasion of Scotland. Calender House Calender House was the first block of dwelling houses 11, 13, 15 Blackfriars Street built by the Blackfriars Building Association to provide accommodation for the "industrial classes" following the City Improvement Act of 1867. Formerly known as Blackfriars Wynd, the E side was demolished in 1867 under the Improvement Act, the roadway widened and subsequently renamed Blackfriars Street. Blackfriars Building Association, composed of 84 Irish working men, in 1871. First Printing Press Blackfriar’s Street (Wynd) This plaque donates the place where the first printing of a book in Scotland was. The printers Walter Chepman and Andrew Myllar printed the first book in 1508 after being granted a licence by King (James IV) a year earlier. The printers stood in the Cowgate at the foot of Blackfriars Street near to Cardinal Beaton’s House. Toddrick’s Wynd High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Toddrick’s (Todrig’s) Wynd once belonged to Archibald Todrig a Bailie of Edinburgh who was attacked in his home in the Wynd in 1500 by two men with swords. They were caught and taken to the Tolbooth and their hands were chopped off as a punishment. Toddrick’s Wynd was also where Bothwell and his cohorts ascended to Blackfriars Monastery on 9th Feb 1567 to blow up the provost’s house in Kirk O Fields. Thomas Aitchison lived here (the master of the mint). A grand Banquet was held in 1590 for the Ambassador and nobles of Denmark. Museum of Childhood Museum of Childhood High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood. The world’s first museum to be dedicated solely to the history of childhood was opened in 1955. The museum of Childhood contains five galleries with toys and games, both contemporary and antique, from around the world. Many toys that everyone of an age will remember; Action Man, Sindy, Corgi, Triang, Meccano. South Gray’s Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh South Gray’s Close or Mint Close as this is where the Scottish mint was built in 1574 after it being in the Castle and firstly in Holyrood House Palace. It later moved to Chessel’s Court where Deacon Brodie robbed it, but was caught and hung. The Museum of Childhood is located next to the close. Hyndford’s Close Royal Mile High Street Edinburgh Hyndford’s Close the entrance to the town residence of the Earls of Selkirk. The first Earl of Selkirk William Alexander colonised Nova Scotia in 1630. Hyndford’s Close was later to be occupied by Dr Daniel Rutherford a chemist and Botanist who discovered Nitrogen Gas in 1772. Dr Rutherford was Sir Walter Scott’s uncle, his sister being Walter’s mother. The close was named after the Carmichael’s of Hyndford. The New Palace Picture House The New Palace Picture House opened in 1929; and finally closed in September 1956. It became a night club and music venue called McGoos and a host of the names of the 60’s played there; The Who, The Kinks, Spencer Davies Group, Troggs, Wayne Fontana, The Small Faces, Cream and many more. Fountain Close Royal Mile High Street Edinburgh Fountain Close residents were Adam Fullerton and Sir James Mackenzie whose house was purchased by the Royal College of Physicians for a new Library in 1704 and sold again in 1720 for a new Church to be built in 1771. Also in Fountain Close is The Saltire Society which was founded in 1936 and its purpose is to improve the quality of life in Scotland and make people around the world see the values Scotland has to offer everyone in every walk of life. The Saltire Society has no political affiliation and anyone is welcome to become a member. FÀILTE is Gaelic for welcome. Tweeddale Court & Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh Tweeddale Court built in 1576 by the Earl of Lothian for his daughter Lady Yester and she passed it on to the 9th Earl of Yester her grandson the second Earl of Tweeddale who became the Marquis of Tweeddale Lord High Commissioner of Scotland which was bestowed upon him by William III. The Last Tweeddale to live here died in 1762 and the mansion house became the British Linen company. The British Linen Company occupied Tweeddale Court in 1791 till 1807. A grizzly murder also took place in Tweeddale Court in 1806, when William Begbie a porter of the British Linen Company was stabbed through the heart and robbed of thousands of bank notes he was carrying from a branch at the top of Leith. A major amount of notes were later recovered but the murderer was never caught. It is suspected that the murderer was later caught for another bank robbery of a similar description in Glasgow, but it was never proven. The thief was tried for the Glasgow robbery and found guilty, imprisoned and later died in Old Calton Jail in Regent Road. When the British Linen Company moved to St Andrew Square, Oliver and Boyd printers and publishers moved into the mansion house. A remaining section of the King's Wall, built by James II in the 1450s is visible on right side of the lane, also a shell fountain can be seen in a small courtyard. THE FEIR OF THE LORD PRESERVITH THE LYFE World’s End Close High Street Royal Mile Edinburgh World’s End Close previously Sir John Stanfield’s Close, Sir John Stanfield was supposedly murdered by his son who was then sentenced to hang at the market cross in Feb 1688 but due to the rope slipping he was finally chopped up and his head was displayed in Haddington his body in Leith and his tongue was cut out and hand chopped of for his crimes against his father. Known as World’s End Close as this was the last building inside the city wall which many people had never been past. St Mary (Wynd) Street Edinburgh St Mary’s Wynd demolished and No 2 St Mary Street was the first house to be built under the Improvement Act of 1867 and a wall tablet was placed above the door and unveiled by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh the right honourable William Chambers a publisher, politician and brother of Robert Chambers Author and publisher were both influential in Edinburgh’s History. With further renovation in 1985. St Mary’s Wynd was built on an old Roman road and was named after the Cistercian nuns of St Mary and a chapel and hospital dedicated to St Mary both built on the west side of the Wynd. The Mary’s Wynd was first mentioned circa 1340 when men of Edinburgh walked up Mary’s Wynd after returning from battle. This was the main route out of Edinburgh to the South. A Wynd changed its name to street when widened to allow carts to use it. St Mary's Port stood at the foot of the Pleasance part of the city defences and old city wall. Boyd’s Entry St Mary's Street Boyd’s Entry is where the first passenger coaches arrived from London. This is where the stables and buildings to house the coaches stood at the foot of Gullan’s Close next to the White Horse Inn (previously Boyd’s Inn), at the head of the Canongate. The Flodden wall once stood on the west side of the Street prior to the present housing. There was a gate at both ends of the Wynd, The Cowgate and the Nether Bow Gate which were the only way into Edinburgh, from the East. High Street Lower Northside

  • Bonaly Tower | All About Edinburgh

    Bonaly Tower was the country house of Lord Henry Cockburn. He lived in the New Town at 14 Charlotte Square. Bonaly has exquisite Stain Glass windows in the Tower and statues repatriated by him in the gardens of James Douglas, Robert the Bruce and Shakespeare. Bonaly Tower Lord Henry Cockburn Lord Henry Cockburn Lord Henry Cockburn (1779-1854) Henry Cockburn entered the Faculty of Advocates in 1800 at 21 years of age. Following in the footsteps of his father. He married in 1811 and lived in the new town of Edinburgh (14 Charlotte Square). He also had a country farmhouse in Bonaly at the foot of the Pentland Hills. He had 10 children. In 1834 he became a Judge in the Court of Session. And also became Solicitor General for Scotland and Lord Cockburn. A great conservationist protecting Edinburgh’s old buildings for the benefit of Edinburgh. He was happily married for over 40 years and died at Bonaly on 26 April 1854 and is buried in the Dean Cemetery. After his death in 1875 The Cockburn Association was founded and named in his honour. The first major campaign by the Association was to resist the removal of trees at Bruntsfield Links and the Cockburn has campaigned for the retention and improvement of Edinburgh's open and green spaces ever since. Bonaly Tower Edinburgh Bonaly Tower Edinburgh was the country residence of Lord Cockburn. This building was originally purchased as a farm house circa 1810. Lord Henry Cockburn a wealthy Advocate of Edinburgh (became a Lord in 1834) over time had the farmhouse extended with a peel tower added, designed by William Playfair in 1839, the west wing by David Bruce in 1870 and later a library was added in 1888, where the original farmhouse had stood. Bonaly Tower Edinburgh Stain Glass Window in Bonaly Tower “DARING AND VIGILANT” VIGILANS - ET – AUDAX (Shield with three cockerels) Cockburn crest on the stain glass window left side on the tower steps. Henry Cockburn, son of Archibald Cockburn Baron of the Exchequer. First owned the Farmhouse at Bonaly which was developed into Bonaly Tower circa 1839 De Ponte crest on the stain glass window right side on the tower steps. "OF THE OLD BRIDGE" DE – VELEI – PONTE (Shield with six diamonds) The Veteri Pontes held the lands of Carriden (Bo’ness) West Lothian, for many generations circa 1250, Nicholas de Veteri Ponte made a gift of Swaynyston (Swanston) near Colinton to the Hospital of Soltre (Sutra). Sir William de Ponte, fought alongside Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn. Due to his daughter being the sole survivor of his estate it was passed to the family of Cockburn as his daughter Mariota’s husband was Sir Alexander de Cockburn. The de Pontes were among the earliest known landowners in Fife. This surname is now almost extinct in Scotland. Bonaly Tower Garden Statues Edinburgh Lord Henry Cockburn was a conservationist and the statues in the garden Shakespeare, Robert the Bruce and The Black Douglas were saved by him when Edinburgh was going through building of the New Town and many later renovations. Lord Cockburn died in Bonaly in 1854. Bonaly Tower Garden Statues Edinburgh Shakespeare in Edinburgh There is also a statue of Shakespeare. This is the only known statue of Shakespeare in Edinburgh. One of the many things Lord Cockburn saved from destruction in 1860. The statue stood at Theatre Royal in Shakespeare Square in 1860. The Square was where The Post Office building stands at the foot of the North Bridge across from the Balmoral Hotel. More saves of Lord Cockburn are pieces of decorative stonework, including several urns, 2 decorative bird-baths and a plaque depicting Edinburgh Castle. James Douglas (“James the Good” or “Black Douglas”) James Douglas was a great friend of Robert the Bruce and fought with him on many occasions and was at his side at the Battle of Bannockburn 1314. James Douglas was charged with transporting the heart of Robert the Bruce to Palestine in redemption of his unfulfilled vow to go on crusade. On the journey in 1330 carrying a silver casket containing the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce he was killed in a battle with the Moors in Spain. From that day the Douglas coat of arms have borne a human heart. The Knights that survived returned to Scotland where Sir James “Black Douglas” Douglas was buried in St Bride’s church in Douglas. The casket and Heart of Robert the Bruce was taken to Melrose Abbey where it remains. King Robert the Bruce The gardens have historic interest with statues of Robert the Bruce King of Scotland crowned 1306 born 1274 died 1329 and Sir James Douglas “Black Douglas” to the English and Sir James “the good” to the Scots Born circa 1286 died 1330. Inscriptions over recesses read “My King and Country Ever Claimed | Those Marshall Deeds for Which I’m Famed” and “I Scotland’s Glorey Made Returne | Victoriously at Bannockburn”. Next - Craiglockhart - Meggetland

  • Greyfriars Graveyard | Ghost Tours | All About Edinburgh

    Greyfriars Graveyard Tour attractions of the famous residents of Edinburgh that were buried in the Greyfriars Kirk Graveyard. Stories of Ghosts and supernatural events when walking past tombs and graves of the departed. The first grave at the gates Greyfriars Bobby dog icon of Edinburgh. Greyfriars Graveyard Tour Greyfriars Kirk Graveyard Edinburgh Greyfriars Graveyard Tour is my selection of the famous residents of Edinburgh that were buried in the Greyfriars Kirk Graveyard. Greyfriars Kirk opened in 1620 the graveyard was in existence as a municipal burial ground from 1562. The Friars were given the lands circa 1470 and the original friary was destroyed by the Reformers in 1559. Stories of Ghosts and and supernatural events when walking past Mausoleums, Tombs and Graves of the departed. The first grave at the gates Greyfriars Bobby dog icon of Edinburgh. The Judge who sentenced 100's to death, Tom Riddle A.K.A Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter), John Porteous hanged, James Borthwick the tombstone with the skeleton from 1675, Allan Ramsay Poet, Joseph Black, William Creech and Mary Erskine, George Watson, James Craig (architect), John Bayne. This was where the affluent were interned. Look inside the Kirk where the museum can be found. Greyfriars Graveyard Tour Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh John Kay 1742 – 1826 Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh John Kay is buried in Grayfriars Burial Ground Edinburgh. He was a well-known figure around Edinburgh Born in 1742 in Dalkeith Midlothian. He began his working life at 13 becoming an apprentice to the local Barber. At 19 he moved to a Barbers shop in Edinburgh. He loved sketching and painting. His free time was taken up in what was to become what he was remember by. John Kay was a painter of miniatures and caricaturist. Through his paintings and Sketches the people of Edinburgh through the Enlightenment are still visible due to John Kay. There is a plaque on the wall in the High Street Edinburgh where he lived (Geddes’ Entry). John Kay died in Edinburgh on 21 February 1826 and was laid to rest in Grayfriars Burial Ground. Many of his caricature drawings were purchased by the subject he had drawn in the sole purpose of being able to destroy it. William McGonagall (Professor Minerva McGonagall) Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh William McGonagall is also buried in Grayfriars burial ground. Known in his time as the world’s worst poet me died in South College Street Edinburgh. He wrote circa 200 poems, which including as some of the worst ever written in English literature. William was born in 1825 and lived most of his life in Dundee. He performed in front of the rich and famous and royalty a very popular literary figure of his time. Sir William Topaz McGonagall inspirational name of the head of Gryffindor House, Professor Minerva McGonagall. His grave stone can be found in the far left corner of Grayfriars near to Heriot's School (Hogwarts) Gates. Greyfriars Bobby Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh after spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray. Bobby himself died in 1872. A year later a statue was erected at the top of Candlemaker Row across from the Greyfriars Kirkyard. There is also a red granite headstone in Greyfriars kirkyard near the gate. Have a stroll around the Greyfriars Kirkyard and see many famous and powerful people of old Edinburgh. Greyfriars Bobby died 14th January 1872 age 16 years. Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all. James Borthwick James Borthwick of Stow was the world's first Apothecary Surgeon he was born in 1615 and died in 1675. In 1657 he became the first apothecary Surgeon and teacher of anatomy George Mackenzie (The Covenanter’s Judge) Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Rosehaugh Close (now Melrose Close named after Sir George MacKenzie of Rosehaugh King’s Advocate. Sir George McKenzie (George Bloody Mackenzie) is still known today due to his tomb in Greyfriars which is said to be haunted. George Mackenzie was the judge that sentenced the Covenanters to death. The spirit of George MacKenzie is said to cause bruising, bites and cuts on those who come into contact with the spirit or touch his tomb. Some visitors have reported feeling strange sensations. The Poltergeist seems to only attack people that are in the Covenanters Prison area which is now kept locked. Contact the kirk museum regards entry. Robert Chieslie Greyfriars Graveyard Walter Chieslie of Dalry built Dalry House (Orwell Place Edinburgh) in 1661 he was father to Robert Chieslie, who became was Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1694 -96. He was one of the Darien Scheme investors who lost a fortune and died in the Edinburgh Asylum at Bristo. He is buried in Grayfriars burial ground in the mausoleum of Advocate George ‘Bloody’ MacKenzie. His brother John is also interned in the same tomb. John was guilty of murdering Lord Carnwath. This is the most hunted grave in Greyfriars with three ghosts. Sir Robert Sibbald 1641 – 1722 Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Sir Robert Sibbald was Physician to King Charles II and first Professor of Medicine in the University of Edinburgh, President of the Royal College of Physicians 1648 – 1685 and co-founder of the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. Thomas Riddell (Riddle) Lord Voldemort Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Tom Marvolo Riddle known to be a Dark Wizard and enemy of Harry Potter. Tom Marvolo Riddle, was born and raised in a Muggle orphanage, but eventually attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (1938-1945). He changed his name to Lord Voldemort. It is said the character’s name was inspired by the tombstone in Grayfriars burial ground. Covenanters Prison (The Presbyterians) Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh The National Covenant signed in Greyfriars in 1638, promised to defend Presbyterianism from intervention by the crown. Through the gates is the part of the Greyfriar’s Kirkyard which was once in 1679 a prison for more than 1000 supporters of the National Covenant, who had been defeated by Government forces at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge 22 June 1679. They were imprisoned for more than 4 months with little or no food and no shelter, some were tried and executed, others died in prison, some escaped and others were set free after signing a bond of loyalty to the crown. In November 1679 the remaining 257 prisoners were taken to Leith and place aboard a ship that was bound for the American Colonies, however all but 48 were drowned when the ship was wrecked of the coast of Orkney. Nine of the 48 were said to have escaped. The area of the prison was much larger than it is now as it took in where houses have been built and new graves were installed here in 1705 when the graveyard required more space for the Edinburgh people. The Covenanters (Presbyterians) immigrated to North America in the early 1700s and William Tennant founded the Log College in Neshaminy Pennsylvania in 1735. The Covenanters of North America became the members of the reformed Presbyterian Church. The inscription on the plaque at the side of the gates to the Covenanters’ Prison reads; THE COVENANTERS’ PRISON Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Behind these gates lies part of the Greyfriars Kirkyard which was used in 1679 as a prison for more than one thousand supporters of the National Covenant who had been defeated by Government forces at the battle of Bothwell Brig on 22 June. For more than four months these men were held here without any shelter, each man being allowed 4 ounces of bread a day. Kindly citizens were sometimes able to give them more food. Some of the prisoners died here, some were tried and executed for treason, some escaped, and some were freed after signing a bond of loyalty to the Crown. All those who were persecuted and died for their support of the National Covenant in the reigns of Charles II and James VII are commemorated by the Martyrs’ Memorial on the north-eastern wall of the Kirkyard. The Covenant, which was first signed in Greyfriars Kirk in 1638, promised to defend Presbyterianism from intervention by the Crown. In November 1679 the remaining 257 men, who had been sentenced to transportation overseas, were taken to Leith and placed on board a ship bound for the American colonies; nearly all were drowned when this ship was wrecked in the Orkney islands (where there is a monument in their memory), but 48 of the prisoners survived. The section of the Kirkyard used to imprison the Covenanters lay outside the existing south wall, and included the area now covered by buildings on Forrest Row. The area behind the gate was laid out for burials in 1705 and contains many fine monuments, but these did not exist at the time of the prison. This plaque has been provided by the Greyfriars Kirkyard Trust with the support of the Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association. In the Covenanter's Prison Mary Erskine Greyfriars Graveyard Mary Erskine married in 1661, a writer of the signet (advocate). He unfortunately died 10 years later. Mary remarried Chemist with his own apothecary but he also died prematurely. With the money she had accumulated she opened a bank and amassed a large fortune, which she gifted money to the Edinburgh Merchant Company who establish the first hospital (boarding school) for girls, named The Merchant Maidens Hospital which opened in the Cowgate in the Merchants Hall which was situated where the arch of the George IV Bridge now stands in 1694. In 1704 she opened a further Hospital for girls, The Trades Maiden Hospital. Its first location was on Jamaica Street next to Argyll Square (Chamber Street and West College Street). It remained there until 1855, when it moved out to a villa named Rillbank. Edinburgh Sick Children’s Hospital now occupies the site. In 1892 it moved again to Ashfield, on Grange Loan. At the west corner of Blackford Avenue. The latest move was to 61 Melville Street in 1975 and its new home was renamed Ashfield in commemoration of its former premises. In the Covenanter's Prison James Hutton Greyfriars Graveyard James Hutton was born in Edinburgh in 1726 and died in Edinburgh 1797 age 70 years. At the age of 14 years he became a student of the University of Edinburgh he went on to travel to France where he became a doctor of medicine. He then went to London and then returned to Edinburgh. He continued the study of the Earth as geology and meteorology were his great interest. Hutton was part of the Edinburgh Enlightenment and as a scientist was regularly seen with Adam Smith, David Hume John Playfair and Joseph Black another famous scientist. His magnum opus was the theory of the earth which made the foundations to Geology James Hutton has been known as the Father of Modern Geology. Joseph Black Greyfriars Graveyard Joseph Black was a physicist and chemist who discovered magnesium, latent heat, specific heat, and carbon dioxide. In 1757 Joseph Black was appointed Regius Professor of the Practice of Medicine at the University of Glasgow and in 1766 he became Professor of Medicine and Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh. Both the University of Edinburgh and Glasgow have chemistry buildings named after him. Joseph Black was part of the Edinburgh Enlightenment and was at the gathering when Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns met for the only time. In the Covenanter's Prison Joseph Black’s Plaque The inscription reads, "Joseph Black, Doctor of Medicine,-born in France, but a British subject, his father being a native of Ireland, and his mother of Scotland,-first a student in the University of Glasgow, and afterwards in that of Edinburgh, was a most distinguished Professor of Chemistry in both Universities; a felicitous interpreter of nature; acute, cautious, and skilful in research; eloquent in description; the first discoverer of carbonic acid and latent heat,- died in the 71st year of his age, AD 1799. His friends, who were wont to esteem his worth and abilities, have sought to mark out the spot which contains his body by this marble, as long as it shall last." Joseph Black's death in 1799. William Creech FRSE Greyfriars Graveyard William Creech was the main book publisher in Edinburgh. He was also a printer, bookseller, politician and Edinburgh’s Lord Provost in 1811. He was also a freemason and friends with Dr T Blacklock and Henry MacKenzie, both invited Robert Burns to Edinburgh. They introduced William Creech to Burns and he became his publisher and published the first Edinburgh edition of Robert Burns' poems 650 copies sold out in the first day to lodge members. William Adam Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh William Adam was born in Fife in 1689 and was one of Scotland’s greatest architects and he could also be said to be one of the first true entrepreneurs with many varied business interests. He died in 1747 and his son John Adam designed and built the family mausoleum in 1753 in Grayfriars. One of his best house designs that he built was for Robert Dundas when he built Arniston house for the Viscount in 1726. Mort Safes Greyfriars Graveyard Mort safes were a form of cage over a grave to stop the grave robbers from taking the bodies and selling them to the Medical College to be used to teach the students human anatomy. This was before the 1832 Anatomy Act regulated the legal supply of corpses for medical science. Captain John Porteous Greyfriars Graveyard The killing of John Porteous Captain of the City Guard. Three robbers were caught and imprisoned for carrying out a robbery. William Hall, George Robertson and Andrew Wilson. At their trial William Hall was sentenced to transportation to the colonies for life, but Andrew Wilson and George Robertson were sentenced to hang and were imprisoned in the Tolbooth in Edinburgh’s High Street awaiting execution. George Robertson escaped and made his way out of Britain. However, Andrew Wilson was to be publicly hanged in the Grassmarket in April of 1736. On the day of the execution a riot began and the City guard was called out, led by Captain John Porteous. Due to the rioting Captain John Porteous instructed his men to fire above the heads of the crowd, this made the riot even more heated, the shots from the city guard had hit and killed onlookers that were watching the proceedings from their windows. With the crowd getting even more violent, Captain Porteous gave the order to shoot into the crowd, which resulted in more deaths. Later that day Captain John Porteous was arrested and charged with murder. At his trial on 5 July 1736, he was convicted by a unanimous decision and found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. The execution took place in the Grassmarket on 8 September 1736. Walter Geikie Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Walter Geikie was born in 1795 a deaf painter and founder of the first deaf church and deaf society. His true memorial can be seen in our city art galleries and in the quality of life and dignity accorded to deaf citizens of Edinburgh today. Walter Geikie loved to sketch street scenes in ink and of real life. Union Carbide Gas Disaster Memorial Plaque Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh In memory of almost 4000 deaths and 40,000 people disabled maimed or suffering serious illness from the gas leak in December 1984 in Bhopal India. "never think you stand alone" George Buchanan 1506 - 1582 Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh George Buchanan, was born in Stirling in 1506 and died in Edinburgh in 1582. He followed the Calvinist theory throughout his life. A Humanist scholar, fluent in Latin, he travelled and was a teacher in France and Portugal. Teaching both Mary Queen of Scots and her son King James VI. He was a renowned writer of poetry, plays and other literary works. He was the Keeper of the Privy Seal. He also conspired with Elizabeth I to have Mary Queen of Scots arrested which led to her execution. His work ‘Rerum Scoticarum historia’ (The History of Scotland) completed just prior to his death in 1582 Allan Ramsay (1686–1758) Greyfriars Graveyard Allan Ramsay was a trained Wigmaker and poet. He died in Ramsay Lodge, Ramsay Garden on Castlehill where he spent the last years of his life. In 1725 he opened the first lending library in the High Street Edinburgh which was the first lending library in Britain. Allan was born in Lanarkshire in the west of Scotland on 15 October 1686. He died on 7th January 1758. Allan Ramsay established the Jacobite Literary Society in 1712. He became a bookseller in 1721 which he retired from in 1740. He is remember mostly for being a pioneer in the use of the Scots Language in contemporary poetry. James Craig Greyfriars Graveyard James Craig was the winning architect of the design for Edinburgh’s new town a competition held by King George III. He was only 23 years of age when he won but never saw the end result as he died prior to its completion. John Byrne Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh John Byrne’s tomb is built into the wall of Grayfriars burial ground. John Byrne He was a writer to the signet (solicitor to the King) and a wealthy landowner. He was born in (1620) Pitcarlie Fife which is just north of Auchtermuchty. The Tomb was built by his surviving wife in 1684 three years after his death. George Watson Greyfriars Graveyard George Watson was born in Edinburgh in 1654 and had a long and successful career as an accountant and merchant banker. He became the first accountant of the Bank of Scotland. On his death he bequeathed money to the Edinburgh Merchant Company to open a Hospital (boarding School) for the poor children of Edinburgh. The School is still in existence to this day. George Watson died on 3 April 1723. This memorial was erected | In 1991 to mark the 250th | Anniversary of the opening | of George Watson’s Hospital and the 120th anniversary | of George Watson’s Ladies’ | College the forerunners | of | George Watson’s College. George Watson who founded the College was born in Edinburgh in 1654 and died in 1723. The School opened in 1741 in Lauriston Place opposite George Heriot’s School. The Boys school moved to its present building in Colinton Road in 1932. George Foulis of Ravelstoun Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh George Foulis purchased the Ravelstoun Estate in 1620. Where he built a tower house in 1622 where he lived with his wife Janet Bannatyne. An inscription on a lintel reads GF- NE QUID NIMIS 1622 JB. These inscriptions are found on most old houses showing the initials of the owners, when they moved in, or when they married. In this case (GF) George Foulis NE QUID NIMIS (Nothing in excess) 1622 year house built (JB) Janet Bannatyne. In the grounds is Ravelston Tower, the stair-tower of Old Ravelston House. George Foulis, laird of Ravelstoun (Ravelston) was born in 1569 the second son of Sir James Foulis of Colinton. George Foulis became a Bailie (Councillor) of the city of Edinburgh. He married Janet Bannatyne (1603). George Foulis died in 1633 and is buried in Grayfriars Burial Ground. Covenanters' Memorial Monument Grayfriars Kirk Edinburgh Halt, passenger, take heed what you do see This tomb doth shew, for what sane men did do Here lies interr’d the dust of those who stood ‘Gainst perjury, resisting unto blood. Adhering to the Covenant, and laws Establishing the same, which was the cause Then lives were sacrificed unto the lust Of Prelatists abjured. Though here their dust Lies mixt with murderers, and other crew Whom justice justly did to death pursue. But as for them, no cause was to be found Worthy of death, but only they were found. Constant and stedfast zealous as For the Prerogative of CHRIST their KING. Which truths were sealed by famous Guthrie’s head And all along to Mr Renwick’s blood They did endure the wrath of [?enemies] Reproaches torments deaths and injustice But yet they‘re those who and now triumph in glory with the LAMB. From May 27th 1661, that the most noble Marquis of Argyle was beheaded, to the 17 th of Febry 1688 that Mr James Renwick suffered, were one way or other Murdered and Destroyed for the same Cause, about Eighteen thousand of whom were execute in Edinburgh about a Hundred of Noblemen, Gentlemen, Minister, and Others noble Martyrs for JESUS CHRIST. The most of them lie here. A stone open bible once stood below the inscription. The Plaque shows what was written on the open pages. Rev.VI.9 AND WHEN HE HAD OPENED THE FIFTH SEAL, I SAW UNDER THE ALTER THE SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE SLAIN FOR, THE WORD OF GOD, AND FOR THE TESTIMONT WHICH THEY HELD; AND THEY CRIED WITH A LOUD VOICE, SAYING, HOW LONG, O LORD, HOLY AND TRUE, DOST THOU NOT JUDGE & AVENGE OUR BLOOD ON THEM THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH? AND WHITE ROBES WERE GIVEN TO EVERY ONE OF THEM AND IT WAS SAID UNTO THEM THAT THEY SHOULD REST YET FOR A LITTLE SEASON UN TIL THERE FELLOW-SERVANTS ALSO AND THEIR BRETHREN, THAT SHOULD BE KILLED AS THEY WERE, SHOULD BE FULFILLED. REV.VII.14. THESE ARE THEY WHICH CAME OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION, AND HAVE WASHED THEIR ROBES, AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB. CHAP.2nd.10. BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, AND I WILL GIVE THEE A CROWN OF LIFE. Next - Candlemakers' Row

  • Stockbridge Edinburgh | New Town | All About Edinburgh

    Stockbridge Edinburgh New Town With a park where Scotland played International Rugby and a walkway along the Water of Leith Shops, pubs, Hotels and restaurants. Stockbridge Area Edinburgh New Town North Attractions Stockbridge name derives from wooden foot bridge. Stockbridge was deemed the northern extension of Edinburgh's new town. The area was largely in part designed by Sir Henry Raeburn artist who was born in the area and also died at his house in Carlton Street in 1823. There were many notable people that lived in the area. James Young Simpson being the most eminent lived with his brother David who was a master baker at No.1 Raeburn place on the corner of Dean Street and opened his first practice at 2 Deanhaugh Street. Christopher North lived in 29 Anne Street before moving to No. 6 Gloucester Place. There were street name changes from when first erected Veitch's Square named after the baker there was Virgin's Square, India Place was Athole Street, Upper Dean Terrace was Mineral Street, North West Circus Place was Stockbridge Brae. Stockbridge Sunday Market While in Edinburgh visit the Stockbridge Sunday Market 200 yards from St Bernard’s Well and next to the Water of Leith. Stockbridge has many shops, bars and restaurants and is close to the city centre. You can see the entrance to the original Stockbridge Market in St Stephen Street. Sir Henry Raeburn Sir Henry Raeburn was a portrait painter and painted many famous people. e was revered by all and became the president of the Society of Artists in Edinburgh in 1812 and a member of the Royal Scottish Academy. Henry Raeburn was knighted by George IV in 1822. He was born in Stockbridge Edinburgh and spent his life there before his death in St Bernard’s Crescent Stockbridge Edinburgh The house he lived in was demolished to make way for Carlton Street. Raeburn Place the main thoroughfare of Stockbridge is named after him. His Art Studio was in York Place named Raeburn House with an Artists pallet on the wall of the building. Fettes College Sir William Fettes Sir William Fettes was born on 25 June 1750. When he was eighteen he went into business as a grocer, trading in wine and tea from Smith’s Land at Bailie Fyfe’s Close in the High Street Edinburgh. He retired from trading Tea and Wine in 1800 to concentrate on his many other investments. He was also twice Lord Provost of Edinburgh. William Fettes lived at 13 Charlotte Square up to 1810 when he purchased the estate of Comely Bank not far from the school’s present location. In his will he made a bequest which was to lead to the foundation of Fettes College. The school itself opened in 1870, 34 years after Sir William’s death and is now one of the top private schools in Edinburgh. There have been many famous students attend Fettes College none more famous than British Prime Minister Tony Blair. St Bernard's Well Stockbridge A natural mineral spring was discovered on the Water of Leith near to Stockbridge in 1760, some claimed that the water could cure everything. In 1789 a building was erected over the well a Doric Temple with a dome and statue inside of Hygeia the Greek goddess of health. It was called St Bernard's Well. Another well was also found a short distance west and this was called St George’s Well. This was also to have the same powers as St Bernard’s Well but was never used to the extent of St Bernard's Well The Dene Archway Water of Leith Walkway from Saunders Street The Dene Archway to St Bernard's Well St George's Well The Water of Leith and the source of the mineral water for St Bernard's Well and St George's Well William Nelson Memorial William Nelson was a publisher in Edinburgh and took it upon himself to renovate the St Bernard’s Well as it had become in a state of disrepair. He used his own funds to renovate and improve its aesthetic look. Comely Bank Edinburgh New Town North Attractions Thomas Carlyle Thomas Carlyle started life as a teacher, but did not last as he gave this up to study law then he went into the ministry and finally became a writer. He married Jane Welsh of Haddington they stayed in a house in Comely Bank for a short time before moving to a farmhouse in the Scottish Borders. Thomas Carlyle became a published author of a number of books and was ask to become the rector of Edinburgh University in 1866 which he accepted. He is best remembered as a essayist and Scottish Historian. Comely Bank Gloucester Place Edinburgh New Town North Attractions John Wilson AKA Christopher North John Wilson a writer, author, advocate and Professor of moral philosophy at the University of Edinburgh. He was most frequently identified by his pseudonym Christopher North. His family home was 29 Ann Street before having to move and live at his mother’s house No 6 Gloucester Place with his family due to almost bankruptcy caused by his uncle’s dishonest speculation with his money. Through hard work he recovered to move his family to their new home in Ann Street where he remained until his death in 1854. His statue stands in East Princes Street Gardens between the mound precinct and the Walter Scott monument. Gloucester Place silvermills Silvermills Edinburgh New Town North Attractions Horse Rider Eagle The Horse Rider and Eagle bronze was sculpted by Eoghan Bridge who was born in Edinburgh in 1963. The sculptor was completed in 1997 and can be found at the corner of a new housing development in Silvermills, Stockbridge. There is also a further statue on the bridge at Festival Square Lothian Road. The Silvermills area was once a small hamlet where there were a number of mills that processed silver. The silver coming from the mines at Hilderslane Linlithgow. Henderson Row Edinburgh New Town North Attractions Edinburgh Academy The Edinburgh Academy opened its doors to pupils on 1st October 1824. Robert Louis Stevenson and James Clark Maxwell were two former students. Sir Walter Scott, Lord Cockburn and Sir Robert Dundas were just a few that instituted the Academy in 1832. Henderson Row Doune Terrace Edinburgh New Town North Attractions Robert Chambers Robert Chambers at an early age started a business selling old books his brother started a printers and after a while they started a new business together Robert Chambers the writer and William Chambers the printer. There first venture was a periodical The Kaleidoscope a magazine published every two weeks. Robert interested in history published a number of books Traditions of Edinburgh, Walks in Edinburgh, the Life of Walter Scott, and many more on Scottish History. Doune Terraace Duncansland Edinburgh New Town North Attractions David Robert’s Birthplace Duncansland a house built from rubble from the houses knocked down in development of Edinburgh. This is where David Roberts was born on 24th October 1796 son of John Roberts who was shoemaker to trade. David Roberts started his career as a designer and painter and became a stage designer for a circus. His talents grew and he became a very successful stage designer and artist while in his free time he painted with oils and became a renowned artist of buildings and scenery which became a full time vocation by 1830. He travelled the world painting and travelled to Egypt and Syria which was the first time many had seen such scenery and Queen Victoria was so taken with his work purchased the collection. Inscription on plaques on Duncansland Stockbridge; David Roberts R.A. Landscape Painter was born here on 24th October 1796 | I FEAR GOD ONLYE 1605 Duncansland Royal Circus Royal Circus Edinburgh New Town North Attractions Sir Henry Littlejohn Sir Henry Littlejohn was co-founder of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. He was Known as a forensic expert and was friends with Dr Bell and Henry Littlejohn taught Arthur Conan Doyle forensic medicine when he studied at the University of Edinburgh medical school. He was also one of the first people in the world to be appointed as the Police Surgeon for a city. He lived at Circus Place Edinburgh and a plaque is at the door in his honour. Inverleith Park Inverleith Public Park Edinburgh New Town North Attractions Inverleith Public Park The park with its football, rugby and 5 seven-a-side pitches, a cricket square, Pétanque (boules) area, model boating pond and a children’s play area, a pond and the Sundial Garden with ornamental Sundial and a memorial fountain in a form of a granite obelisk dated 1899 erected in memory of John Charles Dunlop, Councillor. Kinloch Anderson Sundial Inverleith Park Edinburgh New Town North Attractions Kinloch Anderson Sundial Inverleith Park can be found near to the park entrance at the pond. Kinloch Anderson have a long history with Edinburgh and Tartan. Their main store and museum is in Commercial Street Leith. Sundial Inscriptions; On base of Sundial; PRESENTED BY | COUNCILLOR KINLOCH ANDERSON | 1890 On south face of dial; SO PASSES LIFE | ALAS! HOW SWIFT On north face; NUMBER NONE BUT SUNNY HOURS Inverleith Park Boating Pond Edinburgh New Town North Attractions The Pond in Inverleith Park was originally for model yachts and ice skating in the winter. Inverleith Pond opened in May 1891 and is still used today for model boats, however the weather does not allow ice skating. Falshaw Bridge Edinburgh New Town North Attractions Falshaw Bridge, built in 1877 by the engineer, David Proudfoot. The structure was renewed in 1956 with pre-stressed concrete beams. The Falshaw Bridge, named after Lord Provost Falshaw who opened the bridge in 1877, replaced an earlier wooden footbridge beside an ancient ford across the Water of Leith at the west end of Glenogle Road. Edinburgh New Town North West

  • Infirmary Street | High School | All About Edinburgh

    Infirmary Street and High School Yards in Edinburgh are a historic place with history going back to 1230. The begings of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The Anatomy Museum. Royal College of Surgeons Flodden Wall and where Lord Darnley's body was found after being murdered. Infirmary Street Lady Yester Church Lady Yester, erected the Lady Yester Church in 1647. There was a cemetery around the church and some of the tombstones and tablets still survive embedded into the boundary walls. The church was demolished in 1803. 9 Infirmary Street This is an interpretation of early 17th-century Jacobean style (1603-1625) to replace the Lady Yester church, which stood east on the present corner site area and demolished in 1803. 13 Infirmary Street The new church was built in 1804 as the Secession Chapel and opened in December 1805 as a chapel for Secessionist Presbyterians, a nonconformist group that split from the Church of Scotland it then became the Tolbooth Free Church (circa 1850) for a short time before moving to St Andrew's Square in 1858. ROYAL INFIRMARY EDINBURGH On the 06 August 1729 the first voluntary hospital in Scotland opened (Little House) in what is now Infirmary Street Edinburgh at the top of Robertson’s Close. This became the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in 1736 in the same building. As the infirmary became too small for the volume of patients a New Royal Infirmary was built by William Adam and opened in 1741. This was one of the first infirmaries in the world. Royal Infirmary Edinburgh was founded by Alexander Monroe. (The first of a dynasty of three Monroe’s that held the Chair of Anatomy at the University of Edinburgh for a continuous 126 years (1720–1846). The 3rd Alexander Monroe (1773–1859) performed the public dissection of the murderer William Burke in 1829). The Infirmary was further extended with the Surgical Hospital opened in 1852. The building being purchased from the High School. South Bridge Primary School South Bridge Primary School 6 Infirmary Street was part of the original site of the First purpose built Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 1741 -1884. The present School building opened in 1885 and closed as a school in 1986. It has been used by the Edinburgh council for multiple purposes and is now being renovated at a cost of approximately £4m to become the new permanent headquarters of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and its artist hub, Fringe Central. A public baths were ALSO built on the site which is now Dovecot Studios. Inscription on plaque reads: James Syme 1833 -1869 and Joseph Lister 1869 - 1877 while regius professors of clinical surgery in the University of Edinburgh. Had charge of wards in this building. Then the Old Surgical Hospital and part of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Skeleton in the car park The skeleton was found in 2013 during renovations at the front of the University of Edinburgh building in Infirmary Street. This was the site of the Blackfriars Monastery then the famous Edinburgh High School where many famous names in history attended. The picture taken below was the first sight of the remains since buried, possibly over 500 years ago. This would have been the site of the Blackfriars Monastery burial ground Royal Infirmary Edinburgh and Slavery The largest contributor to the Royal Infirmary was Dr Archibald Kerr, on his death he left a 420 acre Sugar Plantation in Jamaica called Red Hill Pen. Which also included the land and the 39 enslaved people living on it. The funds were received from the rent of the Red Hill Pen between 1749 and 1892 which help fund the infirmary and the purchase of land and building the new infirmary in Lauriston Place. The foundation stone for the New Royal Infirmary was laid in 1870 and the hospital opened in 1879. Blackfriars Monastery Dominican monastery, founded in 1230 by King Alexander II, a major religious hub until it was destroyed by Protestant Reformers in 1559 over 300 years as a spiritual centre. This building was all but demolished and a High School was built in High School building constructed in 1777 and opened in 1780 and now part of the University of Edinburgh. Professor James Pillans was born in Edinburgh in April 1778. Attended the High School the University of Edinburgh, became Rector at the High School in 1810 till 1863. Died in his house at 43 Inverleith Row March 1864. It was in this building that James Pillans (1778-1864) promoter of the blackboard and invented coloured chalks. Blackfriars Monastery Orchard This is also near to where the murdered body of Mary Queen of Scot's husband, Lord Darnley, was found in 1567. The body was found in the Dominican Gardens under a tree in the orchard. A conspiracy lead by Bothwell Had gunpowder placed under the bed of Darnley, however it seems Darnley was strangled and thrown across the town wall into the gardens prior to the gunpowder exploding and destroying the house he had been in. Old High School Doorway Sir Walter Scott initials W.S. can be seen today amongst the 18th + 19th century graffiti on the walls by the entrance to what was the old high school. W.S. JFS GF WE WM GT DB OL C WATSON IR RH BLACK 1819 Surgeon's Hall In 1697, the surgeons of Edinburgh moved from their former meeting place in Dickson's Close to conduct their business in what we now refer to as Old Surgeon's Hall. This building, on the south side of Surgeon's Square, remained the home of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh until 1832, when they moved to new and more prestigious premises in Nicolson Street where there is also a museum. The Plaque on the Royal College of Surgeons Building reads; 1697 The Edinburgh surgeons moved from their meeting place in Dickson’s Close to this building. Here they conducted their business until they moved to the present Royal College of Surgeons in Nicolson Street in 1832. The other plaque is to honour Elsie Maud Inglis Graduate of the University. How Edinburgh Streets Change over the years Jamaica Street changes to North College Street and Infirmary Street Red line is City Wall Chisholm House Surgeon’s Square Edinburgh Chisholm House, was originally one of a number of houses in Surgeon’s Square. The Square was close to the old Flodden Wall. Chisholm House was built in in 1764 one of many residence for surgeons which became part of the hospital complex and now the University of Edinburgh. It was used as a hospital from 1803 until 1996. The house is named after George Chisholm, the first lecturer in Geography at Edinburgh University. Another famous name who once lived in the square was Dr Robert Knox, the surgeon that was linked with Burke and Hare. High School Yards The buildings of High School Yards were built circa 1893 and was the first municipal social housing The five-story sandstone tenements with deck access (open balconies), which provided better ventilation and hygiene for the residents. High School Yards George Heriot's Hospital (School) I n 1838 the Heriot Trust started a new project to build and run free primary schools throughout Edinburgh. These schools provided free education for the poor children in Edinburgh creating public education. You can see some of the buildings as they are designed on the the school in Lauriston Place. This building is at the end of High School Yards. George Heriot's School from Heriot Bridge in Grassmarket George Heriot Statue and George Heriot's From Lauriston Place Edinburgh Original Royal Infirmary Gates The ornamental gates carved stone gateposts of the Royal Infirmary of High School Yards (Infirmary Street) 1738 were saved and are reserved at the entrance to the University Geography building in the adjacent Drummond Street. The Plaques of Mongo Park and Charles Glover Barkla are on either side of the doorway. Mungo Park Born 1771, near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. He Studied at the University of Edinburgh both medicine and botany. A surgeon and explorer of Africa, also and author of a book, Travels into the Interior of Africa (1797). Charles Glover Barkla Born in Widnes, Lancashire, in 1877, Nobel Prize winner Physics in 1917, Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh in 1913 till his death in 1944 in Edinburgh Edinburgh Southside Attractions

  • Greyfriars Kirk | Edinburgh Attraction | All About Edinburgh

    Greyfriars Kirk and Museum is a historic place in Scotland not just as a church. The museum has anceint relics which include the first Stars and Strips on the White House a copy of the Covenant and anceint bibles and seals. The graveyard with famous people and stories of Ghosts and body snachers. Greyfriars Kirk Greyfriars Museum Edinburgh Attractions Greyfriars Kirk Greyfriars Kirk takes its name from the Franciscan friary which was previously on this site. Greyfriars Kirk building was completed in 1620 the first church to be constructed in Scotland following the Reformation. The signing of the National Covenant took place in Greyfriar’s Kirk on 28 February 1638. In a field nearby, in the 18th century 1200 Covenanters were imprisoned. A section of this field was incorporated into the churchyard as vaulted tombs and the area became known as the Covenanters' Prison. You will see enclosed vaults and metal fenced cages called mort safes as a deterrent to grave robbers taking the bodies from their resting place to use in the medical school for autopsy and scientific experiments. The famous grave robbers of the time were (Burke and Hare). Greyfriar’s Cemetery is said to be haunted by the ghost of 'Bloody' George Mackenzie who was buried here in 1691. His Spirit is said to cause bruising, bites and cuts on those who come into contact with the spirit or touch his tomb. Some visitors have reported feeling strange sensations. Take the ghost tour and find out for yourself. Don’t miss visiting Greyfriars Museum for the history and mystery of the graveyard and Kirk. Greyfriars Tolbooth Highland Kirk Museum There are many things to see and stories to be read in the museum like the an American flag that hung in the White House which was gift to the church as Greyfriars Kirk and the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers in the New World took place on Christmas Day 1620. Not to forget the famous dog Greyfriars Bobby. Greyfriars Museum and shop are open with free admission. There are guided tours available. The Notice board on entry to Greyfriars Graveyard read; In Greyfriars Church the national covenant was adopted and signed 28th February 1638. In the churchyard are objects of historical interest such as The Martyrs’ Monument towards the north east and the Covenanters’ Prison towards the south west also The graves of many Scotsmen and Citizens of Edinburgh Highland Kirk National Covenant (The Presbyterians) Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh The National Covenant signed in Greyfriars on the 28th February 1638 promised to defend Presbyterianism from intervention by the crown. Presbyterians in Scotland agreed to renew the King’s Confession of 1581, (basically a promised before God that they would accept the true religion and oppose Roman Catholicism) with two extra parts. These were a legal section listing over sixty acts of Parliament most of which were against Roman Catholicism. The Covenant was signed by almost all the people and Nobles of Scotland. Covenanting Swords The swords of Robert Trail minister of Greyfriars 1649 -1660, who accompanied, James Graham Marquis of Montrose, to his execution in 1650 and Daniel MacMichael a covenanter shot and killed at Durisdeer, Dumfriesshire in 1685. Robert Trail became minister of Greyfriars in 1949. He was arrested and imprisoned in 1660 and later banished to Holland for refusing to sign the oath of allegiance following the restoration of Charles II. Seal of Queen Victoria 1897 Seal of Queen Victoria attached to a parchment appointing William Montagu Hay 10th Marquess of Tweeddale as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1897. The office of Lord High Commissioner is one of the oldest in Scotland. It goes back to the early 17th century when James VI became James I of the United Kingdom in 1603. At the Union of the Crowns the King’s court moved to London and it was not so easy for him to attend the General Assembly, but a close relationship with the Church of Scotland was essential for the monarch and continues to be so today. The document states under the Treaty of Union, Queen Victoria’s seal is used in lieu of the Great Seal of Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots Greyfriars Monastery Original Monastery Doorway The grounds of the Franciscan monastery passed into the possession of Mary Queen of Scots after the Scottish Reformation of 1560. Mary then granted the grounds to the Edinburgh town council for the grounds to be use for burials. The original door lintel to the monastery can still be seen in the Greyfriars Graveyard. Greyfriars Bobby Portrait Greyfriars Museum Edinburgh Oil painting of Greyfriars Bobby in Greyfriars Museum, dated 1867. Painted by John McLeod who was born in Golspie, Sutherland in 1812. Greyfriars Bobby is an Icon of Edinburgh and Scotland and is known worldwide. The Statue stands at the junction of Candlemakers' Row, George IV Bridge and Greyfriars Place. Greyfriars Bobby's grave is at the gates to Greyfriars Kirk Museum and Burial Ground. United States Flag Greyfriars Museum Edinburgh. On Christmas Day 1620 the Kirk of the Greyfriars officially opened as a place of worship. In the same year fleeing persecution and seeking the pursuit of their religion free from interference by the state, the Pilgrim Fathers landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts and established the colony. The Stars and Strips once prominent above the White House in Washington D.C was presented to Greyfriars by the American Consul in Edinburgh. Its significance to commemorate Greyfriars Kirk’s 350th anniversary in 1970 and the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers in New England in 1620. Sir Walter Scott Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh This tablet was made and erected to the memory of Sir Walter Scott on his centenary by the young men of this kirk in which he himself worshipped as a young man. Lady Yester Memorial Grayfriars Kirk Edinburgh In memory of Margaret Lady Yester, by whose benefaction the church of Lady Yester was built in High School Wynd Edinburgh in 1644. This was demolished and a new church was built in 1803. See map by William Edgar 1765. (K) Marks the Lady Yester Kirk. The above tablet formally erected in Lady Yester’s church was transferred here when that church and parish were united with Greyfriars church and Parish in 1938. Greyfriars Kirk Communion Table St Francis Stigma reminder of the friars is a modern representation of the crossed hands of St Francis, with the stigmata, which stands above the cross behind the communion table at the east end of Greyfriars Kirk Hall. Peter Collins Organ Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh Peter Collins died in 2015. He was a famous builder of organs, in his 40 years as a craftsman he built organs all over the UK and Europe. The Greyfriars organ was built in 1990 in conjunction with the late Michael Chibbett who was then the organist in Greyfriars Kirk. The Peter Collins organ is a magnificent musical instrument which overlooks the hall of the Kirk. A must see when in Edinburgh. Flodden Wall In Greyfriars Kirk Graveyard The Flodden wall can be seen through Greyfriars Graveyard. The old city wall was built for protection from the English invaders (1513) after the Scots Army suffered their heaviest defeat in battle to the English and where King James IV died in battle, King James IV was the last monarch to die in battle. Edinburgh Town Guard The City Guard’s main duty was to protect the city and maintain public order. Formed in 1679 with 40 men. Always present at civic gatherings and were led by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The Town Guard House was situated in the middle of the High Street west of the Tron Kirk in line with New Assembly Close. Information found on “the plan of the City and Castle of Edinburgh by William Edgar Architect 1765″. Records held in the National Library of Scotland. The Town Guard were disbanded in 1817 the last Captain of the Guard being James Burnet. The Edinburgh City Guard re-enactment group. The group recreate the Town Guard for ceremonies and recreate battles such as the Battle of Prestonpans annually. To find out more or join the Guard contact chairman, Arran Johnston (Ensign): arran_johnston@hotmail.com . Next - Grayfriars Graveyard

  • Canongate South | Royal Mile | All About Edinburgh

    Canongate Southside has many attractions and historic buildings. Kilwinning Freemasons Lodge where Robert Burns attended. The Poetry Library with free entry and the first whisky bottler Cadenheads where there are many rare whiskies. Also arts and crafts shops. Canongate South Edinburgh Attractions Canongate South Edinburgh is all the attractions, famous residents through history, the historic buildings and places to visit on the South side of the Canongate in the Royal Mile Edinburgh. This page takes you from the top of the Canongate on the south side at the White Horse Inn to the Scottish Parliament Building at the foot of the Canongate. The area around where the Palace of Holyrood House is now was once a small village called Herbergare, where the Abbey of Holyrood was built and was given to the monks by King David I in 1128 and a road that extended from Herbergare, to the Nether Bow Port was known as Canon gait. Canongate Southside Gullan’s Close Gibb's Entry Pirrie's Close Chessel’s Court Plainstane Close Weir’s Close Playhouse Close Old Playhouse Close St John’s Pend St John’s Street Sugarhouse Close Bakehouse Close Wilson’s Court Cooper’s Close Crichton’s Close Bull’s Close Reid’s Close Vallence’s Entry Canongate South Edinburgh Attractions The White Horse Inn Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The White Horse Inn is the oldest Inn in the Canongate Edinburgh with the stables at the rear with entry from Gullan’s Close. The coaches left from what was known as Boyd’s Inn. The other entrance for the coaches and horses was from Boyd’s Entry a short distance down St Mary’s Wynd, Boyd’s Inn, was the starting point the long journey by coach to London. The main dropping off point for the coaches from London was Boyd’s Close off Boyd’s Entry, at the back of the White Horse Inn. The White Horse Inn was the place that runaway couples from England came to be married and many weddings were carried out here. Boyd’s Inn consisted of a house for entertainment, stables for over 100 horses and sheds for over 20 carriages and rooms for the guests. This was the first 5 star lodging in Edinburgh the proprietor being James Boyd. James Boyd sold the White Horse Inn in 1776 to retire. Gullan’s Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Gullan’s Close at the side of the White Horse Inn was the fourth close on the south side of the Canongate prior to 1869 when the First three closes of the Canongate were demolished under the improvement Act of 1867 replaced by a tenement. Gullan’s Close was previously Halliburton’s Close and James Boyd the Innkeeper owned property on the west side of Halliburton’s Close(White Horse Inn) (James Boyd the Innkeeper was a gambler and was about to lose everything when he had good fortune with a run of winnings on a white Horse hence where the name The White Horse Inn derived). The White Horse Inn was also famous for runaway couples from England that wished to marry. It was also the Start and finish to the coach trip to and from London. Gullan’s Close named after James Gullan who had stables led to the Stables where the coaches and Horses for the London coach journey where stabled. (100 horses and 20 carriages). Gibb’s Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Gibb’s Close named after Robert Gibb who had stables at the foot of Halliburton’s Close. One of the residents of Gibb’s close was Constantine Burke the brother of the murderer William Burke and this was the place the murder of Mary Paterson took place. Her body was transported to Dr Knox who paid for the body for his experiments. Burke and Hare resided in Tanner’s Close (Portsburgh) in the West Port in a lodging House the place they carried out many of their evil deeds. Pirrie’s Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Pirrie’s Close or as on old maps, Perries Close, were the lands of Elizabeth Murray and Alexander Pirie and the Pirie family stayed here for generations and Thomas Pirrie built a Brewery in the Close. Pirrie’s Close was once called Fuird’s Close after Alexander and John Fruid and their descendants. The Close was first Known as Kinnaird’s Close and was then sold to Alexander Fuird. Chessel’s Court Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Chessel’s Court was built in 1748 as mansion apartments for the architect Archibald Chessel and in 1769 became the Excise Office and was the scene of an armed robbery in 1788 by the notorious William Deacon Brodie and his gang. The robbery failed and Deacon Brodie was eventually caught and executed on the gallows in the High Street that he designed. To the Left of Chessel’s Court once ran Plain Stone Close (Plainstane Close). The plaque has been attached to a wall on the right side. Details of all the closes from the past can be seen on maps held by the National Library of Scotland link to get you there fast. Plainstane Close was named as the close had been paved. http://maps.nls.uk Weir’s Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Weir’s Close Royal Mile Canongate Edinburgh was the home of George Chalmers founder of Chalmers Hospital which opened to patients in 1864 on the lower floors the upper floors were opened to fee paying patients in 1872. The plaque reads; In proud and grateful memory of George Chalmers 1773 - 1838 Master Plumber who lived and worked near this site. Founder of Chalmers Hospital Old Playhouse Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Old Playhouse Close Royal Mile Canongate Edinburgh was the entrance to the Playhouse Theatre where famous actors, actresses, singers and performers would ply their trade from 1747 – 1767. The tragedy DOUGLAS was first performed here in 1756 written by John Home minister and playwright. On the Lintel above the door of the tenement to the east in the close the inscription reads; AJ JEHOVA DEDIT | HOSPITIUM TERRIS CAELICA REGNA DABIT | ANNO JS James Laidlaw Maxwell James Laidlaw Maxwell, MA MD. Was born on 18th March 1836 in the Canongate. He was a pioneer missionary of Taiwan Laidlaw established Taiwan's Qiho Medical Clinic and the Fucheng Presbyterian Hospital which became the Sin-Lau Hospital the first western medical hospital. He was first to translate the New Testament into Taiwanese in 1873, he died in 1921. Saint John’s Cross Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The cross of St John marks the spot on the Royal Mile Canongate Edinburgh where the boundary between Edinburgh and the Burgh of the Canongate was and also marks where the original St. John’s Cross was positioned. Moved to allow carriages which were becoming more popular to pass up and down the street. St John’s Pend Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh. The Knights of St John had their houses in this area. Go through the Archway which was created in 1767 and you will find the Masonic Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No 2 and the oldest masonic chapel in the world. This is where Robert Burns was affiliated and was crowned Poet Laureate. The archway below the Moray House tablet takes you to St John’s Street, also known as St John’s Pend this is where the first known masonic lodge was sited,(St John’s Lodge) date unknown. There are other Lodges that also claim to be the first lodge by way of minutes of meetings, but St John’s name has been synonymous with this area since the early 1500s. It is believed that the name was first used by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem who held property in this area. The entrance to the Canongate was built in 1768 and the houses in St John’s Street were occupied by noble families. On the west side was Canongate Lodge and Lodge Kilwinning No 2 further down was the mansion of Lord Wemyss and the nearest to the south back of Canongate (now Holyrood Road) was the Royal Maternity Hospital which was founded in 1835. On the east side of St John’s Street lived No1 Sir Charles Preston, No 3 Lord Blantyre, No 5 The Earl of Dalhousie, No 8 Andrew Carmichael last Earl of Hyndford, No 10 James Ballantyne (partner and confidant of Sir Walter Scott) This is where Walter Scott would discuss his forthcoming novels. Finally No 13 Lord Monboddo, a Judge and Linguist a friend of Robert Burns and David Hume and a well-known figure in all Edinburgh. This plaque reads; This Building now a part of | Moray House College was | erected 1755 and restored 1955. This plaque reads; ST JOHN’S PEND | THE KNIGHT’S OF ST JOHN | HAD THEIR HOUSES IN THIS | DISTRICT | THE ENTRANCE TO THE STREET | WAS BUILT IN 1763 | HOUSES OCCUPIED BY FAMOUS | FAMILIES AND OCCASIONALLY | BY SMOLLETT Tobias George Smollett Canongate Plaque Edinburgh This wall tablet reads; Tobias George Smollett | 1721 – 1771 | Stayed here at the house | of his sister Mrs Telfer | During the summer of 1766 St John’s Land Plaque Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh This wall tablet reads; This fine example of an 18th century Edinburgh tenement was erected by the Earls of Hopetoun who also built Hopetoun House. It remained in residential use until Moray House acquired the building in 1956 and installed classrooms, staff students and a fully equipped proscenium theatre. Tobias Smollett the novelist stayed with his sister in a flat which is now part of the theatre stage. It was here in 1766 that he wrote his last novel, “Humphry Clinker” in which tenement life is fully described. The building was originally six storeys high but today only five storeys are above ground. It takes its name from the adjoining St John’s Masonic Lodge. James Boswell was once president of the lodge and Robert Burns attended its meetings during his visit to Edinburgh in 1787-88. Masonic Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No.2 St John’s Street Royal Mile Edinburgh The Lodge Canongate, Kilwinning has had many famous brothers, Robert Burns the Poet and John Napier the inventor of the logarithms. At the first gate on the right entering from the Canongate, above a black door on the lintel, can be seen the words SAINT JOHN’S LODGE. The next building is Lodge Kilwinning No 2 this is named after the original lodge in Ayrshire which dates back to the building of Kilwinning Abbey in 1140, however the Abbey of Holyrood built in 1124, was also linked to the Freemasons and is older. The difference is, Lodge Mother Kilwinning in Ayrshire issued charters and warrants to Lodges wishing the privileges of freemasonry. In the High Street Hyndford’s Close (St David’s Lodge) is where Sir Walter Scott became a mason. Sir Godfrey Hilton Thomson Moray House College Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Sir Godfrey Hilton Thomson was an educational psychologist and the director of studies at Moray House College for 26 years and a pioneer of educational testing. Sir Godfrey Thomson’s plaque can be found in St John’s Pend in Canongate, Royal Mile, and Edinburgh. Sir Godfrey Thomson led the only IQ test to be held in Scotland testing took place in 1932 and 1947 of all 11 year old children. Lodge Canongate Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The first Lodge to request a charter was the Lodge Canongate. This was granted in December 1677 and is the first known example in the world of a Lodge being granted a Charter by an existing Lodge. The Chapel of St John is the oldest purpose built masonic meeting room in the world. The first Grand Lodge of Scotland was Lodge Canongate Kilwinning in 1735. The Head Office of the Grand Lodge of Scotland is at 96 George Street Edinburgh. The Lodge of Edinburgh (St Mary’s Chapel) No 1 has the oldest recorded meeting minutes dating back to 1598 and is still in existence in Hill Street Edinburgh today. James Laidlaw Maxwell James Laidlaw Maxwell, MA MD. Was born on 18th March 1836 in the Canongate. He was a pioneer missionary of Taiwan Laidlaw established Taiwan's Qiho Medical Clinic and the Fucheng Presbyterian Hospital which became the Sin-Lau Hospital the first western medical hospital. He was first to translate the New Testament into Taiwanese in 1873, he died in 1921. Old Moray House Old Moray House was built in the early 1600s. It is now a group of three buildings and a courtyard. The Regent’s House to the east was built before the mid-1600s and the new house to the south was built in 1755. Take a walk through the gates to see the buildings. The Moray House College has been on this site since 1848 and became Moray House College of Education in 1959. After merging with other colleges it is now part of the University of Edinburgh. Moray House was originally a mansion House built circa 1620 for Mary, Dowager Countess of Home. She was to host many famous dignitaries. Oliver Cromwell stayed when his army were in occupation of Holyroodhouse during his sacking of Edinburgh circa 1650. Due to the position of the balcony, the Marquis of Argyll and his party reportedly jeered the captured Royalist James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose, as he was paraded to his execution in 1650. An execution which Argyll met a few years later. The Cottage or Summer House on your right as you enter the gates is believed to be where the 1707 Act of Union between Scotland and England was signed. St John's Street Church The Church at the foot of St John’s Street west side was built on land owned by the Earl of Wemyss in 1882 to accommodate the congregation which worshipped in St Giles’ Cathedral. Building is now empty. Sugarhouse Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Sugarhouse Close with the archway to the sugar refinery to allow carts to carry the loads of sugar. The sugar refinery started circa 1750 and continued for over 100 years. In 1858 it became the site of the Holyrood brewery owned by William Younger & Co (William Younger and Co merged with William McEwan to become Scottish Brewers in 1931) the Holyrood Brewery closed in 1986 and the land was sold in 1990. Holyrood Brewery stretched from Gentle’s Close further down the Canongate to Sugarhouse Close). Bakehouse Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Bakehouse Close is a representation of a House of the 17th Century Canongate, Acheson House within the close was the residence of Sir Archibald Acheson and Margaret Hamilton from 1633 when it was built, it then was passed on to his son George Acheson. The Canongate became the area the wealthy of Edinburgh moved to as the Edinburgh Closes and Wynds were overpopulated, smelly and noisy. Bakehouse Close was used in the Outlander series, and runs under Huntly House next to Edinburgh Museum. Acheson House Bakehouse Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Acheson House was built in 1633 as a townhouse for Sir Archibald Acheson, who died a year later in 1634. Archibald Acheson was knighted by James I in 1620, made secretary of state for Scotland in 1627 during the reign of Charles I and a baronet of Nova Scotia in 1628. Acheson house was restored by the Marquess of Bute when he purchased the property from Edinburgh council in 1935 to save it from demolition. Huntly House Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Attraction In 1825 in the ‘Traditions of Edinburgh’ Robert Chambers calls Huntly House the ‘SPEAKING HOUSE’ because of the Latin inscriptions on the building’s exterior walls. There are five inscriptions, the original four inscriptions are from the 16th century and one added on renovation in the late 1920s early 1930s. The museum was housed in Huntly House before an extension was built where the entrance is now. The Building was originally the Marquis of Huntly’s House. Take a walk round and see the Scottish silver, pictures of old Edinburgh and maps of the building of the New Town. Free entry Huntly Hous Museum The Five Inscriptions on Stone carvings of the wall of Huntly House Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Read; THERE IS ANOTHER HOPE OF LIFE I AM OLD BUT RENEW MY YOUTH 1932 AS THOU ART MASTER OF MY TONGUE TO A STEADFAST HEART. MORTAL AFFAIRS ARE A SHADOW SO I AM MASTER OF MY EARS TODAY FOR ME TOMORROW FOR YOU 1570 Museum Of Edinburgh Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh You will find the Museum of Edinburgh in the Canongate. Inside the museum tells the story of Edinburgh from prehistoric times to the present day. Displays illustrate life in the Old and New Towns from the 1760s. Home to important collections of Edinburgh history, exhibits include Grayfriars Bobby’s collar, the National Covenant signed in 1638, and Scottish pottery. Museum of Edinburgh Wilson’s Court Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Wilson’s Court found between Bakehouse Close and Cooper’s Close was once circa 1650 A sandstone quarry which was filled in and a tenement now stands. Surrounding the court Holyrood Brewery was built. Andrew Berwick established a Brewery in Gentle’s Close circa 1820 which extended to around Cooper’s Close and Wilson’s Close. Wilson’s Close was named after a William Wilson who owned land in 1778 His three sons all immigrated to the West Indies as did one of his daughters who married a John Hamilton of Tobago. Philip the eldest son also of Tobago inherited the land in 1782 and later sold it to Alexander Gordon in 1796. Cooper’s Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Cooper’s Close was named after a wealthy merchant and engraver Richard Cooper in 1749 and owned further property in the High street. He also sold land to James Gentle of Gentle’s Close. The Cooper family has a connection to the close as a Margaret Cooper lived here in the 1840s Later Cooper’s Close was where the barrels were made and supplied to the breweries. Positioned in the middle of the Holyrood Brewery site. The first Brewery was at Holyrood Abbey and moved to the site of Horse Wynd now where the Scottish Parliament Stands. A Cooper is a skilled tradesman who makes or repairs casks and barrels for Breweries. Crichton’s Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Crichton’s Close when studying old maps (1813) of the Canongate seems to be on the site of the Carfrae Coach works of East Lothian a respected coach builder. In a earlier map (1765) the same site is named Crichton’s Coach works a possible clue to the Close’s name. The Close was named after Alexander Crichton Coach builder circa 1760. John Carfrae had purchased the coach works by 1799 and his son Thomas was still running the business in 1832. Scottish Poetry Library Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The Scottish Poetry Library can be found in Crichton’s Close in the Canongate. One of only three Poetry Libraries in the United Kingdom. Started in Tweeddale Court in the High Street in 1984 and moved to its present home in June 1999. The Library has the largest collection of Poems in Scotland and if you are looking for the poem for a loved one or special occasion, you will find it here. There is a shop. Entry and use of the Poetry Library is Free. Do not go past go in and find the poem that reflects who you are. This is the only purpose built poetry Library in Europe and possible the world. Founder Tessa Ransford Plaque Inscription reads; SIC ITUR AD ASTRA (Thus one journeys to the stars) The New Scottish Poetry Library Ist Aug 1997 Poetry Library Bull’s Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Bull’s Close extended from the Canongate to the South Back of Canongate now known as Holyrood Road and was part of the land owned by the Holyrood Brewery (Scottish Brewers). Close named after one of its many owners a Robert Bull many wealthy owners when purchasing property (land) change the close’s name to their own. John Carfrae also owned houses in the Close which had access to his Coach works in Crichton Close. Milton House School Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Milton House School was built circa 1885 to educate the children of the Canongate area. The School was built on the site of Milton House, named after Lord Milton, (Andrew Fletcher) a famous judge of his time circa 1756 for who the house was built by the designer John Adam elder brother of the more famous architect Robert Adam. John Adam commission 4 wall panels for the original Milton Boarding School by William Delacour who died in Edinburgh 1767. Nisbet of Dirleton’s House 82-84 Royal Mile Canongate Edinburgh 82 – 84 Canongate was Nisbet of Dirleton’s House. The house with shop was originally built in 1624 by Lord Dirleton, Sir John Nisbet the Lord Advocate. A typical entrance stone to a 17th Century building. Nisbet of Dirleton’s House Stone Lintel above door with translation in brackets PAX (PEACE) INTRATIBUS (ENTERED) NISI DOMINS FRUSTRA (EXCEPT THE LORD IN VAIN) SALUS (SALVATION) EXEUNTIBUS (DEPARTING) Reid’s Close Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Reid’s Close named after Andrew Reid Brewer circa 1770 had a common entrance from the Canongate with Haddington Close (Earl of Haddington built a house here circa 1790) with separate entrances from Back of the Canongate south (Holyrood Road) Bailie Reid’s Close or Reid’s Close was the site of a new brewery opened by the Berwick’s circa 1860, on the site of their malting’s which operated for several years. They then sold it circa 1870 when it changed its name to the Reid’s Close Brewery. Reid’s Close is at the west side of the Scottish Parliament Building on the Canongate and is a quick way to get to Our Dynamic Earth at Holyrood Gait. Dynamic Earth Holyrood Gait Royal Mile Edinburgh Dynamic Earth is a science centre in Edinburgh. The centre opened in 1999. The building’s structure consists of a steel mast-supported membrane stretched over a steel skeleton. Dynamic Earth takes you on a journey through our planet’s past, present and future, with interactive exhibits and impressive technology, including a 4D and 3D experience. Beginning with the Big Bang, children and adults alike can witness the creation of the Earth, follow the planet through its evolution and even catch glimpses of the earth’s future. The best way by foot to get to Our Dynamic Earth is down Reid’s Close of the Canongate Royal Mile or by car Down Holyrood Road from the west and past the Palace of Holyrood House from the east. Dynamic Earth Vallence’s Entry Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh Vallence’s Entry was named after Adam Vallange who owned land here. Once named Valentine’s Entry circa 1830 Adam Vallange was a barber by trade and his land stood next to the Duke of Queensberry’s Land. Queensberry House Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh The Duke of Queensberry resided in a stately mansion till his death in 1695 and his family continued residence until 1803. At that time it was changed into a hospital and in 1834 it became a refuge for the poor. In 1945 it became and Old peoples home and in 1997 the Scottish government closed the home and moved the residents to enable the Scottish Parliament building to be constructed. On the Pavement of the Canongate between Vallance’s Entry and Queensberry House is the Canongate Wellhead dated 1817. This would have been where the residence of the canongate would get their drinking water. The wealthy land owners would have caddies to fetch water from the wellhead to their houses. Scottish Parliament Building Wall On this land previous to the parliament Building, after Queensberry House, stood four close’s Cumming’s Close, Thomson’s Close, Penman’s Close and Charter’s Close. In Horse Wynd was a Brewery and prior to that was Lothian Hut a mansion House built by William Lothian 3rd Marquis of Lothian in 1750. The Lothian Hut (mansion House) was demolished in 1825 the last occupant being Dugald Stewart a Scottish philosopher and mathematician joint founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh 1783. He was born in Edinburgh on the 22 November 1753 and died 11 June 1828. A memorial to Dugald Stewart stands on Calton Hill Edinburgh. Canongate Parliament Wall Plaques There are 22 plaques with a proverb or verse on the wall (20/02/2026) Andrew Fletcher Jackie Kay Norman MacCai Hugh MacDiarmid Hamish Henderson Next - Abbey Strand Attractions

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