The Fresh Air of the Summer Morning: The Story of Duncan Napier - Lauriston Castle Lectures
Schedule
Tue Jun 27 2023 at 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Location
Lauriston Castle | Edinburgh, SC
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Join us for the tale of Duncan Napier who founded the well- known herbalist shop in Edinburgh in 1860. Near the end of his long and remarkable life, Duncan Napier (1831 – 1921) dictated some of his early memories to his sons Andrew and Duncan jnr. These were recorded in two journals which are now in the possession of his great grand-daughter Lynda Melvin.
Duncan’s story is one of real courage in adversity. His journals describe a very tough childhood. A chance encounter with an Edinburgh lawyer, the philanthropist John Hope, rescued him from a life of toil, poverty and despair. Thanks to John Hope, Duncan received an education; was introduced to Christianity and was persuaded to give up alcohol. Another stroke of luck introduced Duncan to herbalism and it is John Hope who helped him open his first shop. This illustrated talk will recount Duncan’s struggles against the odds to succeed and in doing so, give a rare authentic working – class description of life in the overcrowded Old Town of Edinburgh.
Renowned Edinburgh Historian Eric Melvin is our speaker. Erik is a retired local Headteacher and has had several books published on the subject of Scottish History.
This is one of four talks this series being delivered jointly by Museums & Galleries Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Festival Voluntary Guides (EFVGA). This is a new venture. The EFVGA has been offering free Royal Mile Festival walks since 1947. The Association has also offered a programme of free talks for many years.
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?
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Where is it happening?
Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road South, Davidson's Mains,Edinburgh, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
