Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, Spring 2008 Newsletter

New Publication: St John's Episcopal Church, Edinburgh

Published 5th May

Positioned at the westernmost entrance to Edinburgh's Princes Street, St John's Episcopal Church enjoys the enviable picturesque backdrop of the castle and Old Town. Despite later additions, it stands today much as it was when first designed almost 200 years ago — a celebrated architectural monument and place of worship in the heart of Scotland's capital.

This richly illustrated book — the latest in RCAHMS growing list of publications — examines the history and architectural development of St John's Church, from William Burn's design in the early 19th century through to the present day. Its revived Gothic interior was unprecedented in Scotland in 1818, and it was the first of the new Gothic towers and spires that helped create the famous 19th century 'Romantic Edinburgh' cityscape.

Author Diane Watters examines the ever-shifting architectural debates which impacted on St John's innovative design, and re-evaluates its significance and legacy. She also considers the broader Scottish religious and cultural impact of the new church building, and its continuing central role in the Christian life of Edinburgh's New Town.

Diane Watters is a Buildings Investigator at RCAHMS and the author of previous works Little Houses: The National Trust for Scotland's Improvement Scheme for Small Historic Homes, and Cardross Seminary. She co-edited (with Miles Glendinning) Home Builders: MacTaggart & Mickel and the Scottish Housebuilding Industry and has written and compiled two architecture maps of Edinburgh and Glasgow as part of an ongoing series which aims to identify significant buildings in Scotland's cities and towns.

The book is priced at £7.50 and to receive a copy order from BookSource, 50 Cambuslang Road, Cambuslang, Glasgow, G32 8NB, telephone 0845 370 0067 or email orders@booksource.net. You can also visit our website and download a publications order form.

Cover: St John's Episcopal Church Edinburgh.
© Scotsman Publications

c.1860 sketch by J T Mayne of St John's west end, showing the rebuilt late 18th century organ by George England set within the west tower. © Anne Maclean of Dochgarroch

1902 view of St John's from the west, before the road widening of 1930 and the creation of the vaults under the Lothian Road pavement.
© Yerbury Photography, SC1077303

2005 view of St John's nave, showing extended chancel platform. SC1088557