3-011-676 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The birthplace of David Roberts, Edinburgh, 1864. Engraving of a sketch by Mr. E. W. Cooke, R.A. 'The house is still in the state in which it was in 1859...It is situated in Church-lane, Stockbridge, once a detached village, but now part of the New Town of Edinburgh. The spot is close to the brook called the Water o' Leith, and near St. Bernard's Well. Our View is of the back of the house, showing the circular staircase. The front, which looks into a narrow street, is...adorned with a stone tablet, or lintel, over the doorway, bearing the legend, sculptured in relief: I FEAR GOD ONLYE - 1605. I.R. The house itself, however, is not so ancient as the date of this inscription. Mr. Roberts told a friend that it was built in 1790, out of the materials of some old houses in Marline's Wynd, which were taken down to make room for the South Bridge. In connection with this record of the painter's birthplace, it is pleasing to mention that when, by his own genius and industry, he had raised himself in social rank, he took care to make ample provision for his father and mother, settling upon the aged couple a sufficiently yearly allowance for their support'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.