Demolition of Melbourne Place

Category

Library Item

Item no

7993

Title

Demolition of Melbourne Place

Description

The tip of a crane can be seen through the clouds of dust created by the demolition of Melbourne Place, Edinburgh. The skyline is puntuated by the roof tops of notable buildings including the Central Library and the Old College of the University of Edinburgh. Arthur's Seat can be seen in the distance.

Artist / maker

Hill, Robin A.

Date

1967

Size

10.7 x 16.3 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Buildings at the north end of George IV Bridge (Melbourne Place) were demolished in the late 1960s to make way for the Lothian Regional Council HQ. This building was in turn demolished in 2007.

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.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Places > Edinburgh areas > Holyrood

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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