James Craig (architect)

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James Craig (31 October 1739–1795) was a Scottish architect. His brief career was concentrated almost entirely in Edinburgh, and he is remembered primarily for his layout of the first Edinburgh New Town.

Contents 1 Date of Birth 2 Early life 3 Architectural work 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Date of Birth

Craig's birth date is traditionally given as 1744, as his baptism is recorded in parish register as Tuesday 13 November 1744. However, more recent research has shown that his birth date was 31 October 1739, as recorded in the registers of George Watson's Hospital, where Craig was educated. As well as his date of birth, the records show he entered the school in 1748, and left in 1755. The 1744 date must therefore be incorrect, as it would mean he started school aged four, and left aged eleven. The baptism year, although not the date, has been shown to be in error, as 13 November fell on a Tuesday in 1739 also.^[1]

[edit] Early life

Craig was the son of William Craig, a merchant, and Mary Thomson, sister of the poet James Thomson (1700-1748). William was the son of Robert Craig, merchant and Dean of Guild in Edinburgh. After being schooled at George Watson's, Craig was apprenticed to mason Patrick Jamieson in 1755, and was a qualified mason by 1764.

[edit] Architectural work

His winning plan for the competition held in 1766 was for a simple rectilinear arrangement of three parallel main streets (Princes Street, George Street and Queen Street) with a square at each end (St Andrew's Square and Charlotte Square). His plan was presented to King George III in 1767. His other works included the Physicians' Hall in George Street that was later demolished and to be replaced by a banking hall in the Palladian manner by William Henry Playfair (for the Commercial Bank) and Observatory House at the City Observatory on Calton Hill. Craig also designed Leith Fort.

[edit] References

[edit] External links