Uncovering the secrets of Riddle's Court

Riddle’s Court is one of the most important, but least understood, historic buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Edinburgh World Heritage is now funding a conservation statement to research the history of this sixteenth century building, as the first stage in a project to find it a new sustainable use.

The earliest parts of Riddle’s Court date back to around 1590, with some additions and developments in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

In 1598 the house was used to host a magnificent state banquet attended by King James VI, and in 1751 David Hume the famous eighteenth century philosopher took up residence.

Fiona MacDonald, Conservation Architect for Edinburgh World Heritage said: “Riddle’s Court is a really important historic survival at the heart of the World Heritage Site. We know about some of the past residents, but we don’t know exactly how the building has changed over time.

Back in the 1960’s for example, some council workmen uncovered some spectacular painted panels by the Scottish landscape artist James Norie. Who knows what else lies hidden in the building’s nooks and crannies.”

The conservation statement will research the history of Riddle’s Court, assess the significance of what survives, and set out conservation policies to help find an appropriate use for the building. The project is being led by the Cockburn Conservation Trust, who will use the research to develop a plan for the building’s future.

Jane Robertson from the Cockburn Conservation Trust said: “With the support from EWH we are able to develop a detailed understanding of the building and its significance.  This will be invaluable to us in informing options for an appropriate and sustainable reuse”

Riddles Court is currently owned by the City of Edinburgh Council, and used by the Workers Educational Association as their head office, with lecture rooms for adult learning and a café for young people also based in the building.

Joyce Connon, WEA Scottish Secretary  said: “Our recent historical research project on Riddle’s Court highlighted important connections to Scottish Education throughout the centuries and we would like to  see the building used as a centre for learning which celebrates our heritage, involves people in its interpretation and presentation, particularly focussing on the great Scottish thinkers associated with Riddle’s Court. “

Sixteenth century painted ceiling at Riddle's Court

Riddle’s Court Timeline
• 1590 John McMorran petitions the town council to demolish a ruined building on this site, and build the grander house you see today.  His new home was built around a courtyard, away from the noise of the Lawnmarket.

• 1598 The house is used to host a magnificent state banquet, attended by King James VI and Queen Anne. An eye witness recorded that “The King and Queen were present with great solemnity and merriness”.

• 1726 George Riddell, a wealthy tradesman of the town, reconstructs the parts of the building facing the Lawnmarket. The property now becomes known as Riddell’s Court.

• 1751 David Hume the famous philosopher moves in to Riddles Court. He wrote to a friend:  “I have now at last-being turned forty….arrived at the dignity of being a householder. About seven months ago I got a house of my own, and completed a regular family, consisting of a head, viz. myself, and two inferior members – a maid and a cat”.

• 1825 Riddles Court becomes home to the ‘Edinburgh Mechanics Subscription Library’.

• 1887 Professor Patrick Geddes holds the first university summer school and the building becomes a students’ residence.

• 1947 Riddles Court is taken into the care of the City of Edinburgh Council.