Lifting The Veil: Understanding Your Edinburgh Period Home’s History And Architecture

Edinburgh is a city steeped in history, with many of its streets lined with period properties that whisper tales of bygone eras. From the grandeur of Georgian townhouses to the intricate details of Victorian terraces and the refined simplicity of Edwardian homes, each architectural style offers a window into the past. Do you know the stories your four walls could tell? Learning more about the history and architecture of your period home will bring it to life. Here is a closer look at resources and the kind of information your could find.

 

Researching the History of Your Edinburgh Period Property

Mention ‘research’ and most people will immediately turn to Google or other search engines. But when it comes to learning more about the past of Edinburgh property, there are a few other places to look.

1. Local Archives and Libraries:
   • The National Records of Scotland: This is an excellent resource for accessing historical documents, maps, and plans. You can find information on property ownership, architectural plans, and changes over time.
   • The Edinburgh Room at Central Library: Specialising in local history, this library offers a wealth of materials, including old newspapers, photographs, and books about Edinburgh’s architectural history.
2. Historical Maps and Plans:
   • National Library of Scotland Maps: The NLS has an extensive collection of maps dating back centuries. Comparing maps from different periods can reveal changes in the urban landscape and development patterns.
   • Edinburgh City Archives: They hold building warrants and plans that can provide detailed information about the construction and alterations of your property.
3. Online Databases and Resources:
   • Scotland’s Places: This website offers access to historical tax records, Ordnance Survey maps, and other documents that can provide insights into the history of specific properties.
   • Canmore: Managed by Historic Environment Scotland, Canmore is an online database of Scotland’s archaeology, buildings, and industrial heritage. It includes detailed records and photographs of many Edinburgh buildings.
4. Historical Societies and Preservation Groups:
   • Edinburgh World Heritage: This organisation focuses on preserving and promoting Edinburgh’s UNESC World Heritage sites and historic environment. They often have publications and resources about the city’s architectural history.
   • The Cockburn Association: Edinburgh’s civic trust, which advocates for the preservation of the city’s heritage. They can be a source of valuable information and contacts for further research.

Understanding Architectural Styles

Edinburgh is famous for its Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architectural styles. Here is a look at their key features and differences.

Georgian Architecture (1714-1830)

Georgian architecture in Edinburgh is characterised by its symmetry, proportion, and adherence to classical principles. The New Town, developed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, is a prime example of Georgian urban planning.

• Key Features:
  • Symmetry and Proportion: Georgian buildings often feature balanced facades with evenly spaced windows and doors.
  • Classical Elements: Use of columns, pediments, and pilasters.
  • Sash Windows: Large, multi-paned sash windows are typical, often with smaller panes in the upper sections.
  • Materials: Locally quarried sandstone is a common material, giving buildings their distinctive appearance.
• Historical Significance:
  • The development of Edinburgh’s New Town was a response to overcrowding in the Old Town and represents one of the most ambitious examples of urban planning from the Georgian era. It reflects Enlightenment ideals of order, reason, and progress.

Victorian Architecture (1837-1901)

The Victorian period brought a diversity of architectural styles, influenced by romanticism, industrial advancements and a fascination with the past.

• Key Features:
  • Decorative Details: Ornate stonework, decorative iron railings, and patterned brickwork.
  • Gothic Revival: Pointed arches, intricate tracery, and steeply pitched roofs.
  • Italianate and Queen Anne Styles: Features such as bay windows, cornices, and elaborate door surrounds.
  • Asymmetry: Unlike the rigid symmetry of Georgian architecture, Victorian buildings often embraced a more eclectic and asymmetrical approach.
• Historical Significance:
  • The Victorian era in Edinburgh saw significant expansion and industrial growth. Architectural styles from this period reflect the city’s prosperity and the era’s eclectic tastes, combining elements from different historical styles.

Edwardian Architecture (1901-1910)

The Edwardian period, though short, brought a shift towards simpler, more restrained designs compared to the ornate Victorian styles.

• Key Features:
  • Simplified Ornamentation: Less elaborate than Victorian architecture, with an emphasis on clean lines and subtle details.
  • Use of Light: Large windows and often bay or bow windows to allow more natural light into the interiors.
  • Red Brick and Stucco: Common materials include red brick, sometimes combined with stucco or roughcast.
  • Arts and Crafts Influence: Emphasis on craftsmanship and the use of natural materials.
• Historical Significance:
  • Edwardian architecture represents a transition towards modernism, with a focus on functionality and comfort. The influence of the Arts and Crafts movement brought a renewed interest in traditional craftsmanship and natural materials.

Tips For Identifying Period Features On Your Property

 

1. Examine Exterior Features:
   • Look at the windows, doors, roofline, and decorative elements. The size, shape, and arrangement of these features can provide clues about the architectural style.
2. Interior Details:
   • Interior features such as fireplaces, moldings, and staircases can also offer insights. Georgian interiors, for example, often have elegant cornices and dado rails, while Victorian homes may feature elaborate ceiling roses and fireplaces.
3. Consult Experts:
   • Architectural historians, local historians, or preservation specialists can provide expert analysis and detailed information about your property’s style and history.
4. Compare with Similar Properties:
   • Visiting other period properties in Edinburgh, especially those that have been preserved or restored, can help you recognise features and styles.

Would You Like to Know More?

We love to learn more about the properties we sell and source for our buyers. Understanding a little more about a home’s history helps you connect with Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage. By utilising local archives, maps, online resources, and expert consultations, you can uncover the unique story of your home.

Understanding the architectural styles, from the symmetry of Georgian elegance to the ornate details of Victorian design and the refined simplicity of Edwardian homes, enriches your appreciation of Edinburgh’s architectural tapestry. We’d love to help you on that journey into history.

Give us a call today and find out what we can do for you. We’re always happy to help.