Chapter 133 – Five Enlightenment Bridges

James Hogg and I continue our discussion standing on a bridge built in 1833, which is the western approach into the centre.

“Edinburgh has five bridges, where the city’s fathers extended in every direction, and include North, South, Regency, Waterloo and this one, Kings.”, I explained.

“The best names for streets and bridges are compass points, monarchy and famous events.”, said James, “Look at any map, and you will immediately identify where the power resides. Then follow the city’s architecture out from the centre revealing the changing tastes through the ages.”

“Impressive Mr Hogg. Your ability to explain concepts is heartening. You will need all of your intelligence, experience and wits on this journey. Focus on identifying and eliminating your weaknesses while building on your strengths.“

We continue along Johnston Terrace, past the Assembly Hall and stop at St Giles Church and Parliament Square. Here the Parliament of Scotland once resided, before The Acts of Union of 1707 moved power from the oldest parliamentary building on the British Isles to London.

“Wouldn’t life be different if the capital of the United Kingdom had been Edinburgh, rather than London?”, said James.

“What a revolutionary thought.”, I replied, “So, which one of Mrs Cockburn’s acquaintances shall we discuss first?”

“Adam Smith?”

“Excellent choice. The most important man from the Kingdom of Fife.”