Soak up the drama, trials and tribulations of Scotland’s turbulent past at this amazing medieval building, dating back to 1470. The John Knox House is Edinburgh’s only surviving structure of its kind, and the only original medieval building still standing on the Royal Mile. Explore three floors and learn about past inhabitants, plus the infamous Mary, Queen of Scots.
Once associated with the Scottish Reformation – a time of huge unrest in Scottish History that led to civil war and the abdication of Mary, Queen of Scots – the fascinating John Knox House is a lesson in history.
One noteworthy resident in the 1550s was James Mosman, friend, jeweler, and goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots. He was later executed as a traitor in 1573. If only walls could talk!
Explore three levels of 15th-century craftsmanship as you find out about John Knox himself. This Scottish minister, theologian, writer and leader of the Reformation was only here for a while (he died in 1572) but thanks to his association with the place it was rescued from demolition in the 1850s.
Time-capsules to mark this rescue were found in the walls during an excavation and you can see one in the bookshop.
There’s drama around every corner at the John Knox House and if stories of the Reformation don’t impress the kids, they’ll love looking for the dragon’s nest in the bookshop!
