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Focus on John Napier: One of the Many Notable figures Associated with Lauriston Castle’s Past
Lauriston Castle Lectures
The intriguing story of John Napier (1550-1617), who designed the horoscope stone you can now see on the southwest corner of Lauriston Castle. He was the son of Archibald Napier, who built the tower house at Lauriston in 1593. John designed the horoscope stone for his half-brother, Alexander, who inherited the tower house. You may have heard for John Napier as the inventor if logarithms, but did you also know he was rumoured to have dabbled in the dark arts? There were whispers he was a warlock, with a pet black cockerel as a familiar. To others though, such as the 18th century philosopher David Hume, John was ‘The person to whom the title of a Great Man is more justly due than to any other whom his country ever produced.’ Tomorrow we wish happy Birthday to Alexander Napier – John’s half-brother who inherited the castle.
Tracy Robertson is Steward of Lauriston Castle and is researching lots of different histories and stories about the house and former residents.
All our lecture mornings cost £8 and include a friendly lecture where you can meet our guest lecturer, have coffee and a sweet treat and get a special castle tour. Why not make a day of it at Lauriston and have some lunch at Mimi’s café on-site after your lecture experience?
Book on the booking link
By phone - 0131 336 2060 (Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 10am - 4pm)
In person - At Lauriston Castle – (Go through Courtyard by Mimi’s Café and ring the bell on the green door) Monday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2a Cramond Road South, Davidson's Mains, EH4 5QD Edinburgh, United Kingdom, Lauriston Castle, 2A Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6, United Kingdom,Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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