The neoclassical Edinburgh New Town, one of the boldest schemes of civic architecture in the history of Europe, is what makes Edinburgh a truly world-class city, every bit as impressive as Paris or Prague, Rome or Vienna.
Built in a great burst of creativity between 1767 and 1840, it was the product of the Scottish Enlightenment. Even today, it is still inconceivable how, in the words of one historian, "a small, crowded, almost medieval town, the capital of a comparatively poor country, expanded in a short space of time, without foreign advice or foreign assistance, so as to become one of the enduringly beautiful cities of western Europe."
The New Town was essentially conceived by Edinburgh's forceful Lord Provost (Lord Mayor), George Drummond, who wanted his city to be a tribute to the Hanoverian-ruled United Kingdom, which he had helped create. His plan was to extend the city northwards onto a rectangular plateau known as Barefoot Parks, on the far side of the Nor' Loch (north loch) under the Castle Rock. Work began on draining the loch in 1759, to make way for Princes Street Gardens, and, five years later, construction began on the North Bridge, which would give access to the New Town. The following year a competition was announced for the plans and the winner was an unknown 22-year-old architect, James Craig. His design symbolized the union of Scotland and England, reflected in many of the street names. The grand central thoroughfare of the First New Town, as the area came to be known, is George Street, named in honour of the king. It links two great civic squares, St Andrew in the east and St George's (later to become Charlotte) in the west. On either side of George Street, and running parallel to it, are two long lanes, Thistle Street and Rose Street, symbolizing the national emblems of the two countries. Traversing George Street are Hanover Street and Frederick Street.
The grid-iron pattern is a model of unity, simplicity and regularity, but its overriding success is the use made of the available space. Princes Street and Queen Street are both singles terraces, facing respectively south to the Castle and north towards the Firth of Forth. The beautiful symmetry of the plan and great views on offer were exploited fully by architect Robert Adam, who contributed greatly to the later phases of the work with many elegant neoclassical buildings. The speed with which the New Town was built is astonishing, considering the quality of the building. By the end of the century most of George Street, Castle Street, Frederick Street and Princes Street was in place as well as Register House, the north side of Charlotte Square, the Assembly Rooms and Music Hall, and St Andrew's Church.
Regions
EdinburghEdinburgh New Town Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
-
The Cooperage Apartment, Leith Shore - Sleeps 2/4
The Cooperage is a late 18th Century building, situated on the banks of the Water of Leith. The building was converted into flats in 1985 and this charming ground floor apartment retains many of the .... -
Leith Waterfront Apartment, Edinburgh - Sleeps 5
Set in the city\'s fashionable waterfront area, this luxurious apartment enjoys spectacular panoramic views across the Firth of Forth to the Forth Bridges, over the city skyline to Edinburgh Castle .... -
Russell Gardens Apartment, Edinburgh - Sleeps 4
This smart, contemporary apartment is very well located in a lovely private, residential development with allocated parking, just 20 mins walk from the west end of Princes St. On the second floor .... -
Craigwell Brewery Apartment, Edinburgh - Sleeps 4
This charming, unusual apartment forms part of the old Craigwell Brewery, which was established in 1822 and beautifully converted in 1980, winning an RIB Architect Award for the development. On the .... -
York Lane Apartment, Edinburgh - Sleeps 3
In an enviable central location, this smart townhouse offers the ultimate in city chic and the added benefit of private parking for one car. York Lane is conveniently situated only yards from York .... -
Parkside Terrace Apartment, Edinburgh - Sleeps 4+2
This simply furnished 3rd floor flat is part of a modern residential development with shared grounds and residents parking. The property is situated in the Newington area of Edinburgh and enjoys .... -
Cavalry Park, Edinburgh, sleeps 6/7
Within the grounds of historic Duddingston Manor, this bright, spacious and stylish second floor penthouse holiday apartment overlooks the golf course, and is 5 minutes’ walk from the Sheeps Heid pub... -
The Bothy Cottage, nr Edinburgh - Sleeps 2
This 18th century former gardeners cottage is quietly situated on the edge of the ruined William Adam designed Mavisbank Estate. It forms a wing of the owners house, their large attractive walled garden ca... -
Edinburgh New Town Apartment - Sleeps 2
In an excellent location in the heart of the New Town, this lovely apartment is part of a single row of Victorian tenements, tucked away in a quiet street. The attractive interior is well presented .. -
Edinburgh Holiday Apartment - Sleeps 5
This impressive, well-presented first floor flat is conveniently situated in the heart of Newington with very easy access into Edinburgh city centre.