Architecture Notes

Event ID 772499

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Architecture Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/772499

The Anchor Close is recorded thus in 1714 and took this name from a tavern at its head, dating from before 1703. Later, as Dannie Douglas's, this was the meeting place of the Crochallan Fencibles, a club of some of the most distinguished men in the city, founded by William Smellie, printer in the close, who also founded the Encyclopaedia Britannica and printed the first Edinburgh edition of Burns in 1787. The close is recorded as Fowler's or Foular's Close in 1521, for a William Fowler, merchant burgess. The close was also known as Fordyce's Close before 1711, for James Fordyce, described as a religious writer; and it is recorded in 1723 as having been Brown's Close, for Thomas Brown's property in it, and then Dickson's Close for Thomas Dickson. (from Stuart Harris, "Place Names of Edinburgh", 1996, pages 60-1)

REFERENCE: NMRS LIBRARY

Scottish Magazine Jan 1931 -article

REFERENCE:

Sources: Dean of Guild Bundle 1815 July-December 5.8.1813

Pet. James Anderson, cooper

Foot of Anchor Close

To convert bakers into coopers shops

Plan and section, unsigned