Britain's Most Historic Towns Season 3 Episode 6 Georgian Edinburgh

In this episode of Britain's Most Historic Towns, we travel to the beautiful city of Edinburgh to delve into the fascinating history of its Georgian era. Presenter Alice Roberts takes us on a journey through the grand streets and elegant buildings of this period, exploring everything from the Enlightenment to the Industrial Revolution.

Our first stop is the stunning New Town, built in the late 18th century as a response to the overcrowding and poor living conditions of the Old Town. We learn about the architects responsible for the creation of this new area and how their designs were influenced by the ideals of the Enlightenment, with wide streets, spacious squares, and elegant facades.

Next, we explore the lives of the people who lived in these grand houses, from the wealthy merchants and lawyers to the servants who worked tirelessly to keep them running. We visit the Georgian House, a beautifully restored property that provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the era, with grand reception rooms, lavish bedrooms, and exquisite furnishings.

As we make our way through the city, we also learn about the darker side of Georgian Edinburgh, with its poverty-stricken tenements, overcrowded slums, and rampant disease. We visit the Canongate Tolbooth, which was used as a prison for debtors and petty criminals, and the Surgeons' Hall Museum, where we discover the gruesome history of anatomy in Edinburgh during this time.

Throughout the episode, Alice meets some of the experts and enthusiasts who are passionate about preserving Edinburgh's Georgian heritage. We hear from the conservationists who work tirelessly to maintain the city's historic buildings and from the historians who study the lives of the people who lived there.

Finally, we end our journey at the imposing Edinburgh Castle, which has stood as a symbol of the city for over 1,000 years. Here, we learn about the history of the castle during the Georgian era, including its use as a military base and a prison.

Overall, this episode of Britain's Most Historic Towns provides a fascinating insight into Edinburgh's Georgian heritage, from its grand buildings and opulent lifestyle to its darker side of poverty, disease, and crime. With stunning visuals and insightful commentary, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in the rich history of this beautiful city.