Gg3043 Blog
Matthew Keating
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Edinburgh of present is a vast open town with many public parks and green areas. However, in the late 17th and early 18th century, this was not the case. The Town was surrounded by four walls great walls. the main focal point was that of the castle which was situated above the town. The castle, which at the time played the role of a military barracks, was vital to defend the town during the Act of Union.
Edinburgh in the 17th century
Source: Edinburgh in the 17th Century by Wenceslas Hollar (1670)
The Above picture shows us the towns State at this time. Housing was vast as the town was overpopulated. The city stemmed from one main street, off of which many narrow lanes formed. Often the rich and poor would live in close proximity due to the high population. The Act of Union drew the wealthier upper class away to London which resulted in more poverty and a spread in the population of the town.
In 1752 an architectural competition was launched to help design a new town with linear housing and more open and spacious green areas and parks. The creation of Princes street gardens was quite controversial. It was the largest park area, however the gardens were for the private use of the prince. The land was eventually handed over to the local council who allowed for dogs to be walked, people to smoke and cricket to be played. This park soon became a social hub for both the new and old part of the city.
Edinburgh Market Christmas
Source: www.edinburghguide.com/photos/bigwheelonprincesstreet
In recent time the park has become home to events such as the Edinburgh Christmas market. The parks remain well maintained, however the park is not the social hub it used to be. This is due to a change in society moving back in time to the social area of the coffee shop, the move towards social drinking within nightclubs and bars, and the increased popularity of shopping centres.
References
Nenadic, Stana. 2011, BBC History: The Rise Of Edinburgh.
Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/civil_war_revolution/scotland_edinburgh_01.shtml
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