Riddle's Court

An A listed 16th century courtyard house that sits behind the Royal Mile, a haven from the chaos going on barely thirty feet away.

In 1590 Bailie John McMorran petitions the council to allow him to demolish a ruined building on the site and build a new mansion for himself. He must have moved in the right circles as the house hosted a royal banquet for James VI in 1598. It got it's present name in 1726 when a wealthy tradesman reconstructed part of the building facing the Lawnmarket.

Many aristocratic, influential and creative people have lived in or been associated with this building including Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, David Hume and Sir Patrick Geddes and as a Fringe venue saw the early careers of Maggie Smith and Stephen Fry.

However, no one seems very interested in the Design and Maker's Fair that was on today.