This street front runs along the Lawnmarket, part of the Edinburgh Royal Mile, from the street George IV Bridge on the left to the intersection of Johnston Terrace and the small Upper Bow on the right.
Being THE most famous street in Scotland, the Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle at its top end with the Holyrood Palace at its foot. It goes downhill from the Castle for approximately one Scots Mile, which led to the popularization of the term “Royal Mile” in the early 20th century. Originally the Royal Mile was four seperate streets, all of which still exist as parts of the Royal Mile today – Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street and Canongate from the hill downwards. The last few street metres to Holyrood Castle are called Abbey Strand today.
The Lawnmarket once was the main market place for linen, the reason for its name today. This section also includes four of the famous Closes on the Royal Mile. From left to right Buchanan’s Close (white building), Brodie’s Close, Fisher’s Close and Riddell’s Court. Brodie’s Close, also the entrance to Deacon’s House Cafe, refers to Deacon William Brodie. Brodie had been a respectable Edinburgh citizen, but also a burglar – he inspired the famous story “The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Most of the shops in the historical buildings along the Lawnmarket are now dedicated to tourism and souvenirs. The modern building on the left corner to George IV Bridge is a new hotel design by Allan Murray Architects, which was very controversial and won several best buildings but also a worst building nomination in 2009/2010.
We documented both complete sides of the Royal Mile and hope to work on more sections soon. Anyone interested in cooperating with us on finnishing (and publishing) a complete photographical Royal Mile visualization, please get in contact with us.
Several more Edinburgh street views and a summary on its architecture can be seen in our Edinburgh blog post as well.
