Gladstone’s Land

Saved from demolition by the National Trust for Scotland in the 1930s, Gladstone’s Land is a traditional 16th-century tenement building. It has been a commercial and social hub for more than 500 years and has witnessed momentous social and political change as well as war, fire and disease.

The building takes its name from Thomas Gladstone who purchased it in 1617 and built the front extension, adding in three intricate and fashionable painted wooden ceilings in the new rooms he created. These still survive today. It was occupied by upper- and middle-class tenants until the end of the 18th century when the wealthy moved to the recently built New Town, marking the start of a period of decline for the property and the Old Town as a whole.

Gladstone’s Land is open to visitors and provides a glimpse into the lives and businesses of some of its former residents including the sights, sounds and smells that they would have experienced.

The building will be open to Doors Open Days to visitors on Saturday 25th September (details below). While in the area, you might also enjoy our NTS Edinburgh app which contains GPS-triggered walking tours around Edinburgh. The app is free to download and use and all tours are self-led and outdoors. If you can’t make it in person this year, do enjoy a brief virtual visit below.