Anonymous (not verified)
1 October 2012
Hi All,
Just a quick message having spoken to Thomas, the webmaster, who suggested this forum might be the right place!!
In brief, over the past few years I have worked on a website devoted to accommodation connected to famous figures from history. As it is, I've just added a new section which makes it even easier for visitors to find a place to stay linked to an individual they might be interested in, including Boswell (his entry is here http://www.nightsinthepast.com/historic-figures-b.html)
Anyway, I would be extremely interested to learn of any other places he might have stayed in addition to the couple that I've already listed. All information gratefully received!!
Thank you.
Christian
nightsinthepast.com
James Boswells' Edinburgh Residence.
Brian Connarty (not verified) Sun, 01/13/2013 - 13:31
Hi Christian, my name is Brian Connarty, I am the owner of the property at 5 James' Court, 493 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PB. This is the property that James Boswell lived in and was where he played host to Dr Samuel Johnson for some time leading up to the departure upon their "Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland " in 1773. The building is officially recognised as Boswells' house by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland, confirmation of this was given in 1987 after the discovery of certain architectural features such as the "shot Window", the " Three Oval Fanlights " and the " Internal Stone staircase " ( as described in Chambers' - " Traditions of Edinburgh ") these were uncovered during renovation works on the building. However, due to an apparent administrative error, the photographs of these features were filed alongside an incorrect address, it was only when further features were found during renovation works carried out two years ago that the error was discovered, all of the details have now been brought up to date and the above address is now officially recognised as Boswells' Edinburgh Residence. Boswell did have a previous property in James' Court which he rented from the Philosopher David Hume, but this was destroyed by fire in 1857.
If you would like any more information or photographs of the property, please make contact on 07803 937493, I would be happy to help, cheers Brian.