Philosopher Dugald Stewart, ever heard of him? His memorial sits right here on Calton Hill. The Dugald Stewart Monument is a tribute to a key figure of the Scottish Enlightenment.
This monument is not just a pile of stones. It’s a window into Edinburgh’s intellectual past. Let’s explore why this monument to Dugald Stewart is so special.
Dugald Stewart was a professor at the University of Edinburgh. He held the chair of moral philosophy from 1786 until his death in 1828. Stewart was a major player in the Scottish Enlightenment. He shaped the thinking of his time.
The Royal Society of Edinburgh commissioned this monument. They chose this spot in 1830. The Dugald Stewart Monument was completed in 1831. It has been a Category A listed building since 1966.
William Henry Playfair designed the Dugald Stewart Monument. Playfair was a renowned Scottish architect. He based his design on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens. This Greek monument inspired many architects.
The Dugald Stewart Monument is a circular temple. It features nine fluted Corinthian columns. These columns support an elevated urn. The entire structure rests on a circular podium.
James “Athenian” Stuart and Nicholas Revett helped popularize this style. Their illustrated survey showed the Antiquities of Athens. Thomas Hamilton also used this choragic form. He designed the nearby Robert Burns Monument.
Playfair also designed other landmarks nearby. He worked on the National Monument of Scotland with Charles Robert Cockerell. Playfair also created the thoroughfare around Calton Hill. This includes Royal Terrace, Carlton Terrace and Regent Terrace.
The Dugald Stewart Monument offers more than just history. It provides stunning views. From here, you can see Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. The sunsets are especially unmissable.
Dugald Stewart influenced many students. They later became prominent figures. His writings helped shape modern philosophy and psychology. The monument reminds us of Scotland’s intellectual contributions.
This monument stands alongside other neoclassical structures. These include the National Monument and the City Observatory. Together, they give Edinburgh the nickname “Athens of the North”. This highlights the city’s architecture and intellect.
Visiting the Dugald Stewart Monument is easy. It is open 24 hours a day. There is no admission fee. You can explore it anytime.
While here on Calton Hill, see the other landmarks. Don’t miss the National Monument and Nelson Monument. Take in the panoramic views of Edinburgh.
The Dugald Stewart Monument is more than a memorial. It is a symbol of Scotland’s rich intellectual history. It connects us to the ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment. It reminds us of Dugald Stewart’s lasting impact.