Melville Monument, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh
A towering neoclassical column in Edinburgh’s New Town commemorating Henry Dundas, blending rich history with complex legacies of empire and memory.
The Melville Monument is a towering neoclassical column located in Edinburgh's St Andrew Square, erected between 1821 and 1827 to commemorate Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, a prominent Scottish statesman. Standing about 45 meters tall and topped by a 4.2-meter statue of Dundas, the monument is a key landmark in Edinburgh’s New Town, visible from the Firth of Forth and symbolizing complex historical legacies tied to empire, politics, and the slave trade.
A brief summary to Melville Monument
- 42 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy the monument in peaceful surroundings and avoid crowds.
- Explore the surrounding gardens in St Andrew Square for a relaxing break amid the city bustle.
- Bring a camera to capture the monument from multiple angles, especially during sunset for dramatic lighting.
- Check for local events or festivals in St Andrew Square to enhance your visit with cultural experiences.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Tram
Take the Edinburgh Tram towards York Place and disembark at the St Andrew Square stop. The monument is immediately visible across the square. Tram journeys typically last 10-15 minutes from central locations, with tickets costing around £1.80-£2.00.
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Taxi
Taxis can be hailed throughout Edinburgh city centre and will take you directly to St Andrew Square. Travel times vary from 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic, with fares generally ranging from £6 to £12.
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Walking
From Princes Street, a 15-20 minute walk along flat, paved urban streets leads directly to St Andrew Square. The route is fully accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.
Melville Monument location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Melville Monument
A Monument Rooted in Scottish Political History
The Melville Monument was constructed between 1821 and 1827 as a tribute to Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, a dominant figure in late 18th and early 19th-century Scottish and British politics. Dundas served as Lord Advocate, Home Secretary, and First Lord of the Admiralty, playing a pivotal role in shaping Scotland’s political landscape and the British Empire’s naval power. The monument was funded by voluntary contributions from Royal Navy officers, sailors, and marines, reflecting Dundas’s influence and support within naval circles. It stands as a symbol of his legacy, both celebrated and contested, embodying the complexities of his political career and imperial policies.Architectural Grandeur and Symbolism
Designed by architect William Burn and inspired by Trajan's Column in Rome, the monument features a striking neoclassical marble column approximately 45 meters tall, crowned by a 4.2-meter sandstone statue of Dundas sculpted by Francis Leggatt Chantrey and carved by Robert Forrest. The statue depicts Dundas in peer robes, facing west along George Street, embodying authority and stature. The monument’s prominent position at the eastern end of Edinburgh’s New Town ridge makes it a dominant feature of the city skyline, historically visible from ships entering the Firth of Forth, symbolizing Dundas’s naval associations and Scotland’s imperial reach.Contested Legacy and Modern Reinterpretations
Henry Dundas’s legacy is deeply contested due to his role in delaying the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade by nearly 15 years, despite earlier actions opposing slavery in Scotland. This duality has sparked debate and reflection in Edinburgh, leading to the installation of a plaque in 2021 acknowledging the impact of Dundas’s policies on enslaved Africans and colonial subjects. The plaque and ongoing discussions represent efforts to provide a fuller, more nuanced historical context, recognizing both Dundas’s contributions and the moral controversies surrounding his legacy. The monument thus serves as a focal point for dialogue about Scotland’s imperial past and its contemporary memory.The Monument in Its Urban and Social Setting
Situated in the centre of St Andrew Square, part of James Craig’s original New Town plan, the monument anchors a vibrant public space surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and gardens. The square has evolved from an exclusive residential area to a bustling urban hub hosting events, markets, and festivals. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere, gardens, and photographic opportunities the monument and its surroundings provide, especially during sunset when the column’s façade is beautifully illuminated. The site remains a significant cultural and historical landmark within Edinburgh’s city centre.Artistic and Cultural Significance
The Melville Monument is recognized as a Category A listed structure by Historic Environment Scotland, highlighting its architectural and historical importance. It exemplifies early 19th-century neoclassical design and commemorates a figure emblematic of imperial Britain’s political and naval history. The monument is part of a broader pattern of imperial memorials in Edinburgh, alongside the Nelson Monument and others, reflecting the city’s historical role in the British Empire. Its artistic features and commanding presence continue to attract interest from historians, architects, and visitors alike.Engagement with History and Memory
The monument invites reflection on the complexities of historical memory, empire, and justice. Recent debates and council initiatives to reinterpret the monument’s meaning demonstrate an evolving public consciousness about Scotland’s colonial legacy. The Melville Monument stands not only as a tribute to a historical figure but also as a site of ongoing dialogue about history’s contested narratives, the legacies of power, and the importance of inclusive remembrance in contemporary society.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Solo Female Friendly
