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Georgian House |
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Georgian House |
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A picture of Edinburgh life from 2 centuries ago |
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In the 18th century, even Edinburgh's upper classes were living in cramped, dirty conditions in what we now call the Old Town. They soon set about rectifying this by beginning a concentrated building project. The work went on for nearly a century, resulting in a much more comfortable set of residences for the richer members of society. Most of the buildings are now over 200 years old, but they're still collectively referred to as the New Town. |
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A key part of this development is Charlotte Square, just north of Princes Street. Much of the design work was done by Robert Adam, the most celebrated architect of the 1700s. His most famous pieces include Culzean Castle on Scotlands East Coast and Baths Pulteney Bridge. |
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One of the Squares homes is open to the public. The building is rather descriptively titled "Georgian House" and, sure enough, it offers a perfect representation of a residence in the late 18th century. |
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The first people to live here were the Lamonts. Later, the house passed into the hands of several other respected Scottish families, before ending up in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They maintain its three floors in the same style and condition as in 1796, when its doors were first opened. |
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Inside, a video presentation gives further insight into the development of the New Town. The rest of the property is filled with furniture and decorations that are appropriate to the period. The paintings, china and silver are all great examples of the fine workmanship that reflected the vast wealth of Edinburgh's aristocrats. |
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Downstairs, you'll see behind the scenes of what would have been a very well organised household. There's an extensive kitchen, and a closet full of beautiful crockery. The adjacent wine cellar would have been stocked with old, valuable bottles. |
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There's a similarly preserved property called Gladstone's Land, just a few minutes walk away on the Royal Mile. It's from the 1600s, just a century or so before the Georgian period. By comparing the two houses, you can track the development of Edinburgh life through the city's recent history. |
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The Georgian House is open daily March to November, from 11am to 4pm (extended hours in Summer). Entry costs around £6 for adults, family £15. 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh ED2 4DR. Tel: 0844 493 2118 |
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