St John's Episcopal Church Edinburgh

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 examines the history and architectural development of St John’s Church from William Burn’s design in the early 19th century 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, Buildings Investigator at RCAHMS, examines the ever-shifting architectural debates which impacted on St John’s innovative design, and re-evaluates its significance and legacy. In addition, she 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.

“At either end of Princes Street are two famous buildings, one a great hotel, the other an elegant and lively church – bookends to one of the world’s best-known thoroughfares. This charming book tells a fascinating story of the architectural and aesthetic ideas behind a landmark building. Those who regularly walk past St John’s or those who encounter it on a visit to Edinburgh will be both entertained and informed by this lovely architectural and historical essay.” Alexander McCall Smith

"The illustrations are splendid.  Every few pages St John's perpendicular tower rockets through a moment in Edinburgh's history...  As a description of a building whose importance to British architecture had perhaps been neglected, this book is fascinating to read and a valuable contribution." Eleanor Todd, History Scotland

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