In the late 18th and early nineteenth century it was essential for Edinburgh to develop beyond the confines of the cramped and insanitary Old Town.
James Craig’s development of the New Town began in 1767 but for commercial success to take hold it was essential to build more and faster. Much of the land was owned by the great Educational Institutions of George Heriots and the Merchant Company. They were keen to allow feuing to proceed but it came at a price.
Professor Richard Rodger, Emeritus Professor of Economic and Social History at the University of Edinburgh, will take us through this exciting period in the commercial and domestic development of our city which resulted in the familiar urban landscape of today.
Speaker
Professor Richard Rodger, Emeritus Professor of Economic and Social History at the University of Edinburgh
Professor Rodger has published widely on the economic, business and urban history of Britain since 1800. His book ‘The Transformation of Edinburgh: Land Property and Trust in the 19th Century’ was awarded the Frank Watson Prize for works on Scottish History. Ongoing research involves projects on the development of public health in Victorian Scotland, and a study of Edinburgh Trusts as part of a comparative analysis of legal and institutional factors affecting the trajectory of urban development. He has published 16 books and written over 100 articles and chapters.
Booking details to be confirmed.
