“Can you imagine the ambition it took for a woman in the 17th century to amass such wealth?” Our story takes us back to the life of Mary Erskine, a name forever etched in Edinburgh’s history. Right here, a memorial commemorates her remarkable journey.
Mary Erskine, born in 1629, didn’t inherit her fortune. She built it. Widowed twice and left with debts after her first husband’s death, she turned hardship into triumph. Through shrewd property management and establishing a private bank, she became a financial powerhouse, a rarity in those times.
But Mary Erskine’s legacy extends beyond her business acumen. She is best remembered for her philanthropic spirit. In 1694, she established the Merchant Maiden Hospital, a school for girls, which later evolved into the prestigious Mary Erskine School. This act alone cemented her place as a champion of female education.
Her generosity didn’t end there. She also co-founded the Trades Maiden Hospital, ensuring daughters of craftsmen received an education. These institutions, born from her vision, continue to empower young women today, a testament to her enduring legacy. Mary Erskine, the savvy businesswoman, the generous philanthropist, rests in Greyfriars Kirkyard, her story forever woven into the fabric of Edinburgh.