This talk by John Lowrey focuses on Parliament Close and Square as the centre of elite power and influence in Edinburgh.

This talk focuses on Parliament Close and Square as the centre of elite power and influence in Edinburgh, considering the juxtaposition, within a tiny area, of the institutions of church, city, state and legal profession, along with some of the major economic powerhouses of the city and Scotland as a whole. The talk takes a broad look at some aspects of the development of these institutions in architectural and urbanistic terms but also focuses on a number of specific cases, especially in relation to the aftermath of the Great Fires of 1824 and the impact that had on the area, especially to the south.

This talk is also available to view live online tickets (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002429210673?aff=oddtdtcreator)

The talk will be recorded and later added to the OEC YouTube channel. (https://www.youtube.com/@oldedinburghclub)

John Lowrey is an Honorary Fellow at Edinburgh University's School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, having recently retired from the department after many years teaching on the architectural history programme.

He is a specialist in Scottish architectural history, with a particular focus on the 17th to nineteenth century period and a particular interest in the architectural and urban history of Edinburgh. He has been involved in a number of real projects within the city over the years, bringing his knowledge of architectural history to bear on restoration projects or planning proposals. These include Queensberry House, as part of the Scottish Parliament; the restoration and expansion of the Usher Hall; and the public enquiry into the Royal High School proposals. Currently, he is working on aspects of Old Town architecture and urbanism, mainly in relation to the Tron Kirk and its wider environment. This overlaps with the talk he is delivering to OEC.

Description supplied by the event organiser.