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

Lecture Series - Brodie Castle Collection with Lily Barnes

21st November 2019

Lily Barnes, the Morton Documentation and Digitisation Officer, will share images and stories from the fascinating collection of photographic albums of Brodie Castle in this talk at Gladstone's Land.

Lecture Series: The Knights of St John in Medieval Scotland

23rd November 2019

Join Thomas Ware at Gladstone's Land on 23rd November as he delves into the history of the Knights of St John in medieval Scotland!

Hidden Histories: Sickeningly Sweet - The Story of Edinburgh’s 18th Century Sugar Trade

23rd November 2019

This lecture on 23rd November looks at the history of Edinburgh and its burgeoning New Town, revealing how it was drawn into the sugar trade, as sugar entered through the Port of Leith.

Lecture Series: Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Last Jacobite Rebellion

27th November 2019

Come along to Gladstone's Land on Wednesday the 27th of November and hear about Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Last Jacobite Rebellion!

Hidden Histories: Scotch on the Rocks - Literary Friction in the Scottish Enlightenment

30th November 2019

This talk on 30th November at Newhailes House explores some of the heat as well as the light that was generated by the Scottish Enlightenment effort.

Hidden Histories: Worshipping at the Shrine of Venus - Sex Work in Old Town Edinburgh

7th December 2019

Piecing together what little is known about sex work in Edinburgh during the 17th & 18th centuries, this lecture discusses who the women were, where they worked and the daily challenges they faced.

Public Reading: A Christmas Carol for Kids

14th December 2019

This live reading of Charles’ Dickens classic novella, adapted for a younger audience, with sound effects, actions and even some Christmas songs is suitable for ages 6-9 years.

Public Reading: A Christmas Carol

14th December 2019 - 15th December 2019

Join us in the atmospheric third floor Minister’s Chamber at Gladstone's Land for a cup of fruit punch and some Victorian sweet treats before listening to Dickens’ festive ghost story.

Lecture Series: The Lost Scottish Identity

23rd January 2020

This lecture, at Gladstone's Land on 23rd January, will explore the events in the lead up to the Act of Union in 1707, and in the aftermath, what happened to the other lost Scottish identities!

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