Heriot Row: Elegant Georgian Terrace in Edinburgh's New Town

The Architectural Genesis of Heriot Row

Heriot Row was conceived in the early 19th century as part of Edinburgh’s ambitious Second New Town development. Approved in 1802 by the Heriot Trust Governors, the street was designed by architects Robert Reid and William Sibbald. It was intended to extend the city’s northern boundary with a sophisticated, orderly grid of streets. The terrace features exquisite grey sandstone facades sourced from the nearby Craigleith quarry, prized for its durability and light-reflecting qualities. The buildings are primarily four-storey townhouses with elegant stonework and slate roofs, some with grand four-bay fronts and others more modest three-bay designs. Behind the uniform facades, the houses vary in layout and size, reflecting the tastes and means of their original owners.

Historical Significance and Naming

The street takes its name from George Heriot, a self-made goldsmith and jeweller to King James VI and I and Queen Anne in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Heriot’s wealth funded an orphans’ hospital, now Heriot’s School, and his legacy extended through the Heriot Trust, which managed land investments around Edinburgh. The trust played a key role in the acquisition and development of the land where Heriot Row was built. The street’s name thus commemorates a figure emblematic of Edinburgh’s mercantile and philanthropic history.

Integration within Edinburgh’s New Town

Heriot Row forms a vital part of Edinburgh’s New Town, a masterplanned expansion designed to relieve overcrowding in the medieval Old Town. The New Town is celebrated for its Georgian architecture, wide streets, and elegant townhouses. Heriot Row faces south towards the First New Town and is part of the Second New Town’s grid layout, which was developed despite challenges such as sloping terrain and land acquisition issues. The street’s buildings have retained much of their original character, contributing to the largest continuous Georgian townscape in Britain.

Notable Residents and Cultural Legacy

Among Heriot Row’s distinguished former residents is the famed author Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived at number 17. The street’s literary and cultural heritage adds depth to its architectural significance. Its proximity to other notable New Town streets and landmarks enhances its status as a desirable and historically rich address. The street’s enduring appeal is also due to careful preservation efforts and the robust stone construction that has stood the test of time.

Urban Design and Environment

Heriot Row’s layout includes end blocks built as flats flanking the terraced houses, with mews lanes and service areas at the rear. The street slopes gently downward, allowing for daylight in kitchens and gardens behind the houses. This thoughtful urban design balances aesthetic uniformity with functional diversity. The street’s greenery and views towards Queen Street Gardens add to its tranquil urban charm.

Preservation and Modern Context

Today, Heriot Row remains one of Edinburgh’s most attractive streets, valued for its architectural integrity and historical resonance. The abolition of feu duties and the introduction of planning and listed building protections have helped safeguard its character. As a part of the New Town conservation area, Heriot Row continues to exemplify Georgian elegance and Edinburgh’s rich urban heritage, attracting residents and visitors who appreciate its timeless beauty.