Lecture Series June: Society, Scandal & Security in 19th century Edinburgh

To celebrate Pride at Gladstone's Land this June, join us to hear the fascinating and complex story of one of our former residents. In 1810, Jane Pirie along with fellow teacher Marianne Woods, fought a lengthy deformation battle after the two women were accused of being in a sexual relationship by one of their students. The case that inspired The Children’s Hour (1961), starring Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine.

Edinburgh at the turn of the 19th century was a city of two personalities. Jane Pirie was immersed in both sides of this changing Edinburgh and is connected to both National Trust for Scotland properties in the city. She grew up in lodgings at Gladstone’s Land and worked just down the road from The Georgian House. During the talk, we will unpack this historical moment as well as what happened after - exploring the interplay of race, gender, sexuality and class in early 19th century Edinburgh.

This event is part of our monthly lecture series but please note that it will take place on FRIDAY 28th June instead of our usual Thursday evening schedule.

Doors open: 6:30pm

Talk starts: 7pm

This talk will be delivered by Indigo Dunphy-Smith, who works as part of the Visitor Services team at The Georgian House and is the co-chair of the LGBT Network for The National Trust for Scotland. Indigo has worked to explore LQBTQ+ narratives within our established collections. As part of our ten-year strategy, nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, The National Trust for Scotland has been exploring the lives of people who lived outside societal conventions. Part of this venture has included revisiting our interpretation of people who are associated with our built heritage. This is a repeat of the same talk held at The Georgian House on Friday 14th June 2024.

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