Considering that Edinburgh was granted World Heritage Status in 1995, it seems fitting to begin our exploration of Calton Hill. Calton Hill is an important part of Edinburgh’s heritage. The town council bought it in 1725 turning it into one of the first public parks in the country.
Calton Hill has a rich history. In 1456, it was referred to as “Cragingalt”. This name might mean “crag on the hill” or “wooded hillside”. Others knew it as “Caldtoun”. The names Calton and Caltonhill started appearing around 1700.
Long ago, James II let the people of Edinburgh use the land between Calton Hill and Greenside for sports and tournaments. This was part of a plan to get people ready for war. They were told to practice archery every Sunday. This area was also used for plays.
Later, a monastery was built on Calton Hill. After the Scottish Reformation in 1560, it became a hospital for people with leprosy.
The Incorporated Trades of Calton were formed in 1631. This group had the power to control trade in Calton and tax those who wanted to do business there. This helped trade grow.
The village of Calton sat at the bottom of the hill. Many old buildings were torn down when Waterloo Place and Regent Bridge were built in 1816. The remaining old houses were removed in the 1970s.
In 1787, Robert Barker created the world’s first panorama after visiting Calton Hill. It was a full 360-degree view of Edinburgh from the City Observatory tower.
The Old Calton Burial Ground was the first big development on Calton Hill. David Hume, a famous philosopher, is buried there. His tomb only has the years of his birth and death. The Political Martyrs’ Monument is also in this burial ground.
On the west side of Calton Hill is Calton Hill Street. Agnes Maclehose, known as Robert Burns’ Clarinda, lived at number 14. Burns sent her many poems.
The Calton Jail was once located on Calton Hill. It included a Debtors’ Prison, the Bridewell, and a Felons’ Prison. These prisons were replaced by Saughton Prison. The only building that remains is the Governor’s House.
The eastern end of Regent Bridge is built into the side of Calton Hill. It connects the hill to Princes Street. Robert Stevenson, the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, built this bridge.
William Henry Playfair designed the roads that circle Calton Hill. These are Royal Terrace, Carlton Terrace, and Regent Terrace.
The Scottish National Monument is one of the most famous structures on Calton Hill. It was meant to be a Parthenon. However, construction stopped in 1829 due to lack of funds.
The Royal High School was built on the southern slopes in 1829. In the 1840s, a tunnel was added under the High School.
“Rock House” was the home of Robert Adamson. He and David Octavius Hill pioneered photography in Scotland in the 1840s.
Calton Hill has been the site of political demonstrations. It was also the location for the Declaration of Calton Hill.
The Beltane Fire Festival is held on Calton Hill every year on April 30. The Dussehra Hindu Festival and the Samhuinn Fire festival also take place here.
Calton Hill has appeared in films such as Sunshine on Leith and Death Defying Acts.
Today, the Friends of Calton Hill help to care for the park. As we conclude our tour, remember Calton Hill’s many layers of history. Its story continues to evolve.