George IV Bridge, Road bridge in Old Town, Scotland.
George IV Bridge is a stone structure in Edinburgh that connects the Royal Mile to the South Side district. Its design incorporates multiple visible and hidden arches to span the elevation change between these two areas.
Construction started in 1827 under architect Thomas Hamilton's direction and was finished in 1836. This bridge became a key infrastructure project that reshaped how the city connected its different districts.
The National Library of Scotland and Edinburgh Central Library stand opposite each other on this elevated street, forming a center of knowledge.
The area offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops for dining and shopping as you cross. The southern approach leads directly to the National Museum of Scotland, while the northern end connects to the historic Old Town.
Its construction required demolishing densely packed closes and wynds, including the site of John Dowie's Tavern, a well-known drinking establishment of that era. This project erased a piece of Edinburgh's social history beneath its stone arches.
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