Around the middle of the eighteenth century, the Canongate was one of Edinburgh's most important and vibrant districts. As the eastern section of the Royal Mile leading to the Palace of Holyrood house, it was home to a thriving community of merchants, craftsmen and skilled artisans. Clockmakers, watchmakers, silversmiths and cabinetmakers worked alongside one another, supplying both the local gentry and Scotland's growing professional classes with goods of exceptional quality.
This was also a period of significant change. The aftermath of the Battle of Culloden (1746) brought an end to the Jacobite Rising and ushered in a new era of political stability, encouraging economic growth throughout Edinburgh. In 1745, the Jacobite army under entered Edinburgh, passing through the Canongate before occupying the city, making the district a direct witness to one of the most dramatic episodes in Scottish history. Around the same time, Scotland experienced expanding trade with Europe and the American colonies, bringing increased prosperity to Edinburgh's merchants and craftsmen.
Although the grand Georgian New Town had yet to be built, the Canongate remained an affluent and fashionable address, with many noble families still maintaining townhouses along its length. It was within this prosperous and industrious setting that many of Edinburgh's finest eighteenth-century clocks were produced, reflecting the skill and refinement for which Scottish clockmakers became renowned.
"MONRO, GEORGE. Canongate, Edinburgh, 1743-1804.
Married Mary Alexander, daughter to the deceased James Alexander, distiller in Stirling, I5th December
I757- Was admitted a freeman clock and watch maker in Canongate Hammermen 28th November 1750.
OLD SCOTTISH CLOCKMAKERS 275
only was he a most capable craftsman, but also one of the most enterprising tradesmen in Edinburgh. This will be best seen by the following selection of advertisements which he issued in the local newspapers, and will show the methods he adopted to build up one of the most extensive businesses in Edinburgh. Probably there was not a craftsman in the city during the latter half of the eighteenth century who advertised so largely, the result being that the name of George Monro and his productions were known all over the country, especially north of the Forth"
All of our clocks are available to view by appointment at our workshop showroom in the grounds of The Drum, Edinburgh.
