Charlotte Square

Why go

This is the architectural finish to a walk across the First New Town. The north side brings Bute House and the Georgian House into a unified frontage, while the former St George’s Church anchors the west. The appeal is the whole composition, so allow time to compare the sides from outside.

What to look for

• Bute House occupies the centre of the north frontage.
• The Georgian House stands beside Bute House at number 7.
• The former St George’s Church centres the west side.

The full story

Charlotte Square was the last part of the initial New Town phase to be completed, in 1820. Its coordinated Georgian frontages provide a formal conclusion to George Street, contrasting with the street’s individual civic and commercial buildings. The north side is particularly useful for seeing how separate houses can read as a single architectural composition. Number 6, Bute House, became the official residence of Scotland’s First Minister. Beside it, number 7 is the Georgian House, restored internally by the National Trust for Scotland in 1975. Their adjoining positions put government use and domestic history within the same frontage, though they have different visitor arrangements. On the west side, the former St George’s Church became West Register House. The square also attracted notable residents, including surgeon James Syme and Joseph Lister. The central garden remains private, so the public pavements are the appropriate place to appreciate the square’s architecture and compare its sides.

Useful to know

• Stay on the perimeter pavements; the central garden is restricted to surrounding owners.
• Check the Georgian House separately if you want a historic interior visit.

Your next visit

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