The Enlightenment Tour of the Royal Mile
In the Steps of Adam Smith - The Enlightenment Tour of the Royal Mile
This tour walks you through Edinburghs Royal Mile and the alleys that inspired Adam Smith and his friends during the 18th Century Enlightenment period. During this great period, which shaped the modern world, Edinburgh was the crucible that brought together the key elements. Adam Smith, world-renowned author of The Wealth of Nations, rubbed shoulders with the other Enlightenment giants from home and abroad including David Hume, Benjamin Franklin, James Hutton, whose work deeply influenced Charles Darwin in his development of Origin of the Species, Robert Adam, James Watt and Jean-Jacque Rousseau.
The Enlightenment Tour encourages you to take your own inspiration from the sights and ambience of the Royal Mile while your guide points out the key buildings and sites associated with the activities, playful and serious, of the Enlightenment personalities. This was a rumbustious century that encompassed the French and American revolutions, and during which Bonnie Prince Charlie swept into Edinburgh with his army of highland Jacobites en route to London and his unsuccessful attempt to win the British crown from the Hanoverians. Reason mingled with passion to create an exciting century and Edinburgh was a core component.
This tour starts opposite David Humes statue at the corner of the Mound and the High Street and finishes at Canongate Kirkyard, site of Adam Smiths grave. The tour costs £8.00 per person and parties may pre-book by e-mailing or calling ICG Heritage (see contact details below).
Opening Hours
March to October:
Tours run at 1030 and 1430, Tues - Sun.
(Additional tours can be provided by prior arrangement)
Closing Day(s)
- Mon
Contact
Mr
Angus
Gillon
ICG Heritage
77 Buccleuch Street
Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
EH8 9LS
Great Britain
Tel: +44 (131) 668 4320
Tel: +44 (7753) 640 532
Fax: +44 (131) 667 4872
E-Mail: angus.icg@dial.pipex.com
