Melbourne Place and Victoria Terrace

Category

Library Item

Item no

7673

Title

Melbourne Place and Victoria Terrace from George IVth's Bridge, Edinburgh

Description

A view along George IV Bridge towards the Royal Mile, Edinburgh. Victoria Street sweeps downwards towards the Grassmarket, with Victoria Terrace above it. The buildings are arcaded with an arched open walkway leading people past the shops.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Engraver

Johnston, W & A. K.

Date

1860

Size

26.8 x 42.9 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

George IV Bridge was designed by Thomas Hamilton. It was constructed in 1829-34 to improve access to Edinburgh's Old Town from the rapidly developing Southside. This elevated street runs from the junction of Candlemaker Row and Chambers Street to the Lawnmarket, passing over the Cowgate and Merchant Street. The National Library of Scotland and the Central Public Library stand almost directly opposite each other roughly half way along the street. A memorial statue to Greyfriars' Bobby stands at the south end of the bridge at the junction with Candlemaker Row.

Victoria Street was constructed between 1829 and 1834 to link the Grassmarket to George IV Bridge, also built at this time. The street cut through the pre-existing West Bow, joining its lower section for the final descent to the Grassmarket and blocking through traffic to its upper section leading to the Lawnmarket.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Arcades (Architectural components)

Architecture > Architectural features > Railings

Business > Service industry > Shops

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Roads

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