Gladstones Land

About Gladstones Land

The house of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes showcases high-rise living, 17th-century style, at the beating heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile. In six rooms split across two levels, the authentically restored tenement shows how people from a variety of backgrounds went about their lives at a time when the cramped Lawnmarket was very much a living, breathing, working part of one of the world's fastest-growing and influential cities.

Inside these walls you'll discover the indignities of living in cramped conditions, the embarrassing consequences of sitting too close to the fire and the gruesome punishment for cheating your customers.

The Gledstanes name relates to the gilded bird of prey hanging outside the house. 'Gled' is an old Scottish word for red-tailed kite, which are often found nesting among 'stanes' or stones.

On Saturdays during July and August, from 12.30-5pm, visitors can get a flavour of 17th-century life with the guides in costume in the display rooms. The costume guides really help to bring the house to life and ensure that visitors get the most from their visit.

Upcoming Events at Gladstones Land

Gladstone’s Land Lecture Series: Gardening on the Edge

6th February 2020

This lecture by Simon Joneson on 6th February explores historic gardens on the west coast of Scotland and some of the issues they face to balance the needs of history, heritage and modernity.

Gladstone’s Land Lecture Series: Robert Burns and the Natural World

2nd April 2020

Join RBBM Learning Manager Chris Waddell as he looks at some of the species Burns mentions in his poetry and examines the Scots language he uses to describe them.

Gladstone’s Land Lecture Series: Sport on the Wall

16th April 2020

Join Dr Annie Tindley as she addresses one of the ubiquitous side effects of sport and leisure in country houses in the nineteenth century, taxidermy!

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