Building sights in Edinburgh
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A
City Chambers
The imposing Georgian City Chambers were originally built by John Adam (brother of Robert) between 1753 and 1761 to serve as the Royal Exchange – a covered meeting place for city merchants – replacing the traditional meeting place of the Mercat Cross. However, the merchants preferred their old stamping ground in the street and the building has housed the offices of the city council since 1811. Though only four storeys high on the Royal Mile side, the building plummets 12 storeys on the northern side, overlooking Cockburn St.
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B
Tron Kirk
Built in 1637, and taking its name from the tron, or public weighbridge, that once stood on the site, this church is famous for its magnificent oak hammer-beam roof, which rivals that in the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle. The floor has been excavated by archaeologists to reveal the cobbled surface of Marlin’s Wynd, a late-16th-century alley with the remains of cellars, staircases and medieval drains on either side.
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C
George Heriot’s School
One of the most impressive buildings in the Old Town, this school was built in the 17th century with funds bequeathed by George Heriot (goldsmith and banker to King James VI, and popularly known as Jinglin’ Geordie). It was originally a school and home for orphaned children, but became a fee-paying public school in 1886. It’s open to the public on Doors Open Day (www.doorsopendays.org.uk) in September.
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D
Old College
Edinburgh University’s Old College is a neoclassical masterpiece designed by Robert Adam in 1789; today it is home to the univeristy’s law faculty. At the far end of the quad you’ll find the Talbot Rice Gallery.
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