Riddles Court, located at the top of the Royal Mile, is a place of architectural and cultural significance. Dating back to the 16th century, the charming courtyard and well-preserved buildings provide a glimpse into Edinburgh’s storied past.
Riddles Court was designed to be a high-status, multi-occupancy building, providing privacy alongside the convenience of a central location.
The building is closely linked to Patrick Geddes, philanthropist, educator and town planner. His principle of ‘conservative surgery’ aimed to preserve the most historically significant parts of Old Town buildings by demolishing the more dilapidated parts, making what remained more hygienic and suitable for 1890s living. He converted the main part of the building into one of Edinburgh’s first student halls of residence.
Riddles Court has a distinguished history, including playing host to King James VI and his wife Anne of Denmark at a royal banquet in 1598 and becoming the residence of David Hume, philosopher and historian, in 1751.
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