Melville Monument
Melville Monument, Memorial column in St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Description
The Melville Monument is a tall column in St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, featuring a Doric capital and vertical fluting along the shaft. A statue of Henry Dundas crowns the top of the structure, carved as a dominant focal point above the plaza.
History
Construction of the monument began in 1821 following the death of Henry Dundas, a prominent Scottish statesman, and was completed in 1827. The project emerged from Edinburgh's effort to honor his political legacy.
Culture
The monument displays a commemorative plaque added in 2021 that acknowledges Henry Dundas's involvement in delaying the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade. This inscription shapes how visitors understand the site's meaning in the city today.
Practical
An internal spiral staircase allows access to parts of the pedestal inside the column for those seeking closer views. Visitor access may vary depending on weather conditions and maintenance schedules.
Did you know?
The statue was carved by Robert Forrest based on Francis Chantrey's original design, drawing inspiration from Rome's Trajan's Column. This connection to one of Rome's most celebrated monuments gives the Scottish structure a classical bearing.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (City of Edinburgh).
Scott Monument
199 m
Jenners
137 m
St Andrew Square
7 m
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
148 m
Dundas House
145 m
St Andrew's and St George's West Church
170 m
National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
146 m
New Register House
186 m
Multrees Walk
141 m
Statue of David Livingstone
195 m
Hotel Indigo Edinburgh
180 m
Edinburgh, 26 - 30 Princes Street, R W Forsyth
154 m
Hopetoun Monument
99 m
Edinburgh, 1, 2 St Andrew Square, The Prudential Assurance Office
98 m
Edinburgh, 1 West Register Street, Guildford Arms
186 m
Edinburgh, 42, 43, 44 Princes Street, Old Waverley Hotel
145 m
Edinburgh, 2-6 South St Andrew Street
151 m
Queen's Hall Picture Theatre
199 m
Edinburgh, 28-48 West Register Street, South East Block
163 m
Edinburgh, 26 St Andrew Square
89 m
Edinburgh, 38, 39 St Andrew Square, Bank Of Scotland
95 m
Edinburgh, 3, 5, 9, 11 George Street, Standard Life Assurance Company
125 m
Edinburgh, 42 St Andrew Square, Royal Bank Of Scotland
122 m
Edinburgh, 21 St Andrew Square, Phoenix Assurance
103 m
Edinburgh, 3 St Andrew Square
101 m
27, 28 And 29 St Andrew Square And 1 North St Andrew Lane
112 m
Edinburgh, Thistle Street, 2 Thistle Court
131 m
Edinburgh, 17 West Register Street, Cafe Royal
166 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes