Robert Stevenson's Childhood Home, Edinburgh
During his relatively brief life, spanning from November 13, 1850, to December 3, 1894, Robert Louis Stevenson (originally named Robert Lewis Balfour Stevenson) achieved a significant place in history as a renowned Scottish writer. He excelled in various literary genres, including novels, poetry, and travel writing. His notable works such as "Treasure Island," "Kidnapped," "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," and "A Child's Garden of Verses" earned him widespread acclaim.
While Stevenson enjoyed recognition during his lifetime, his critical reception became somewhat mixed after his death. However, in contemporary times, his works continue to be well-regarded, solidifying his position as the 26th most translated author globally.
Stevenson was born and educated in Edinburgh, where he endured persistent bronchial illness from a young age. His health issues began at the age of one, as he inherited a predisposition to coughs and fevers. These health challenges persisted even after his family relocated to a damper and colder place at 1 Inverleith Terrace in 1851. It wasn't until he turned 11 that his health improved, despite the family's subsequent move to the sunnier 17 Heriot Row when Stevenson was six.
As an only child with a unique appearance and personality, Stevenson faced difficulties fitting in at a nearby school he attended from age six. At 11, he switched to the Edinburgh Academy due to frequent illnesses that kept him away from his initial school, resulting in extended periods of private tutoring. Stevenson learned to read relatively late, around age seven or eight. Nevertheless, even before acquiring this skill, he would dictate stories to his mother and nurse, displaying a strong passion for storytelling throughout his childhood.
Today, Stevenson's childhood home in Edinburgh, now owned by John and Felicitas Macfie, still retains much of its original architectural charm. It serves as a venue for hosting receptions, dinners, and conferences.
While Stevenson enjoyed recognition during his lifetime, his critical reception became somewhat mixed after his death. However, in contemporary times, his works continue to be well-regarded, solidifying his position as the 26th most translated author globally.
Stevenson was born and educated in Edinburgh, where he endured persistent bronchial illness from a young age. His health issues began at the age of one, as he inherited a predisposition to coughs and fevers. These health challenges persisted even after his family relocated to a damper and colder place at 1 Inverleith Terrace in 1851. It wasn't until he turned 11 that his health improved, despite the family's subsequent move to the sunnier 17 Heriot Row when Stevenson was six.
As an only child with a unique appearance and personality, Stevenson faced difficulties fitting in at a nearby school he attended from age six. At 11, he switched to the Edinburgh Academy due to frequent illnesses that kept him away from his initial school, resulting in extended periods of private tutoring. Stevenson learned to read relatively late, around age seven or eight. Nevertheless, even before acquiring this skill, he would dictate stories to his mother and nurse, displaying a strong passion for storytelling throughout his childhood.
Today, Stevenson's childhood home in Edinburgh, now owned by John and Felicitas Macfie, still retains much of its original architectural charm. It serves as a venue for hosting receptions, dinners, and conferences.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Edinburgh. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Robert Stevenson's Childhood Home on Map
Sight Name: Robert Stevenson's Childhood Home
Sight Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (See walking tours in Edinburgh)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (See walking tours in Edinburgh)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Edinburgh, Scotland
Create Your Own Walk in Edinburgh
Creating your own self-guided walk in Edinburgh is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Literary Landmarks Tour
For centuries, Edinburgh has been home to numerous writers. The likes of Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and JK Rowling, just to name a few, have given pride to this city. Fortunately, the tradition doesn't seem to die out any time soon, as Edinburgh keeps producing more and more authors and literary heroes in whose footsteps people still wish to tread.
Naturally, there is a wealth... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Naturally, there is a wealth... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Royal Mile Walking Tour
The Royal Mile, a steep thoroughfare in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, is one of the city's busiest tourist destinations. It runs down a slope, from the famed Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse Palace and the ruined Holyrood Abbey, for almost exactly a mile and thus got its name, coined in 1920. The succession of streets forming the Royal Mile is lined with numerous shops, pubs,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
The historical center of Edinburgh, popularly known as the Old Town, is indeed the oldest part of the Scottish capital. Most of the buildings here, made of stone and characterized by numerous tall windows, have been around since the Middle Ages and are covered with soot, left over from the days long gone, when houses were heated with hard-coal and wood. Hence the prevailing gray color in the area.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Harry Potter Trail
Years after the release of the last Harry Potter book and movie, the cultural phenomenon of Harry Potter doesn't seem to fade away and the fandom continues strong as ever. Although by now Harry Potter has become a household name across the globe, the fact that J.K. Rowling penned some of the world's favorite wizarding stories in Scotland's capital, where she still lives now, makes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Famous Squares and Streets Walking Tour
Being in Edinburgh, it is only natural to be curious about the avenues, boulevards, and streets leading to (or stemming from) the city's picturesque squares. There, you can find a copious amount of historic and religious sites, fashion stores, classy restaurants, and marketplaces, not to mention some hidden gems, exploring which is well worth the time spent.
One of Edinburgh's most... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
One of Edinburgh's most... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Edinburgh Pub Crawl
Edinburgh is rich in pubs, both old and new, spoiling their patrons with the best in town drinks and food. Although most traditional pubs in the city are laid back, with a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, some have dance floors and double as nightclubs. This self-guided adventure takes you to several such spots, each with its own story to tell.
Our journey begins at the World's End Pub, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Our journey begins at the World's End Pub, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
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