What Was Life Like in 18th Century Edinburgh?

Alice Loxton uncovers the thrilling transformation of Edinburgh, a city which was once the most overcrowded, dangerous and pungent cities in the whole of Europe, where tottering medieval tenement blocks were surrounded by a bubbling cesspit of raw sewage. With the city bursting at its seams - and on the brink of crisis - it took a staggering boldness of vision to build the “New Town”, one of the greatest urban developments the world has ever seen. From this gem of Georgian architecture, Edinburgh was reborn as “The Athens of the North”.

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[Bobbythebuilder]

ALICE IS national treasure.her love and passion for history makes her shows entertaining.Thank you this educational video

[grantwatson]

Alice's enthusiasm is infectious. Her love for this city draws you in.

[hawkmoon]

Alice, you are my favourite history presenter. You are always energetic and passionate. Thank you for a terrific insight into this City. 😊

[margo]

Her youth (climbing up the monument) and her obvious love for the city makes this delightful.

[leanbean]

Love watching Alice's presentations, there so soothing and pure! it's my first point of call when I'm on a Sunday comedown and need to hibernate away from the world all day.
100% wholesome material

[MattCameron]

Love watching Alice's presentations, she reminds me of a young Mary Beard.
Another great video.

[dwdei]

The tenement that collapsed was on the High Street, at Paisley Close. The keystone of the archway above the close's entrance is a boy's face - one of the few survivors whose voice could be heard from the rubble: "Heave awa, lads - I'm no deid yet".
Great wee tour!

[IamJunius]

The fluid lava flow simulation was awesome!

[emaboo]

I hate being in cities and crowded places, but you're right Alice, Edinburgh is literally the only city on the planet that I truly love 😍 it's beautiful, historical, mysterious, enchanting, and magnificent 💫

[gordonhowell]

Construction on Calton hill actually started a little before the new town, about 1770. My flat is on Calton hill (just under the Dugald monument) and I have the original (vellum) deed of sasine from 1772. After 35 years here the place still gives me goose bumps. The city is magic.

[simonwilliams]

Wonderful historical piece. There is another Edinburgh, in southern New Zealand. It is called Dunedin, which is a slightly altered Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Dunedin began in 1848 with the arrival of two ships full of Scottish settlers. The town was laid out in a plan inspired by the Edinburgh new town. The main streets were George and Princes, with Queen, Castle, Frederick, Hanover, St Andrews, Arthur, and High along with a central space known as The Octagon looked over by St Paul's Cathedral and a statue of Robbie Burns. Dunedin has elegant buildings reminding one of Edinburgh. I have lived a lot of my life in "The Edinburgh of the South" as some call it.

[Annalise-rurx]

Scottish history is so interesting, regardless of the rather strange choices that the Scottish aristocracy made I still find it so interesting to come from a land so rich in history and to live here in Edinburgh surrounded by beautiful Georgian buildings is truly such a gift! Well done history hit for making this such a great episode!!

[martinhew]

Alice is the best. I love her style of presentation and her enthusiasm. This was very interesting. I have only been there twice but didnt realise so much of the history. Now i will have to go again.

[brigidspencer]

I visited the Athens of the North 6 years ago and enjoyed seeing the spots I visited by Alice. I will have to return again armed with the knowledge that this knowledgeable young woman has given us.❤

[arnohak]

Alice...such a great storyteller...what a beauty and talent. Always delighted to watch her in this series.

[williamrobinson]

Alice's love for The City of Edinburgh is clearly evident in this beautifully crafted and presented film. I was wondering for a while which university had helped to shape this hugely talented polymath, and had thought the degree might be MA Oxon, but seeing this the most distinguished University Of Edinburgh definitely fits the bill. I really enjoyed this. Impressive. ⭐👍

[cindchan]

One of my favorite historians talking about one of my favorite world cities! I couldn't be happier! 🥰

[jetsons]

Alice's narration is so enjoyable. Great information with a touch of humor.

[MultiCappie]

Beautiful video, inspiring to anyone who lives in a wreck of a city.
And mad respect to anyone who can carry their bicycle up a flight of steps like that!

[joanforest]

Great video! I love Edinburgh. Just got back from there and I miss it so much.