Town Planning
Source 5 : Map of the City of Edinburgh by John Ainslie, 1780
Map (NLS shelfmark: EMS.s.59)
This map, by the cartographer John Ainslie, illustrates the vivid contrast between the old medieval city of Edinburgh and the New Town which was still being developed. The shaded areas of the New Town plan show buildings which had already been constructed by 1780. The unshaded areas show streets which were proposed in the original design.
If you compare this map with Source 4, you will notice that the plans of the New Town are slightly different. In the Ainslie plan, there is a ‘circus’ or circular garden in the centre.
Transcript
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Discussion Points
- As a visual source of evidence, what does this map convey about both the Old Town and New Town? What are the characteristics of each, and why? Think about the way in which the different parts of the city have developed and evolved.