Thu
17
Apr 1766
James Craig (31 October 1739 – 23 June 1795) was a Scottish architect who worked mostly in lowlands of the country and especially his native city of Edinburgh. He is remembered primarily for his layout of the first Edinburgh New Town.
In 1765, Craig entered the competition to plan the New Town of Edinburgh in 1766 through which he won his fame and reputation as an architect. He spent the next fifteen years working on plans and buildings for the New Town, and presented two of these in the portrait painting David Allan made in 1781; a New Town plan with a central circus, and the Royal College of Physicians Hall with proposed wings to either side.
More From This Day
calendar
1969
Everyone in Britain over the age of 18 was allowed to vote in parliamentary elections
April 17, 1969
calendar
1909
Riot by fans after replay of Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park.
April 17, 1909
calendar
1656
William Molyneux, statesman, philosopher and scientist, is born in Dublin
April 17, 1656
calendar
1341
Edinburgh Castle taken from English, reversing English encroachments against independent Scotland
April 17, 1341