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Summary

Description

J, J M and W H Hay, (Liverpool) 1857-61. Symmetrical, freestyle, nave and flanking aisles church with distinctive central, slightly advanced, 3-stage square-plan entrance tower to W (George IV Bridge), surmounted by 3 tiered octagonal lanterns with metal weathervane at apex. 6-bay elevation to Merchant Street (N) with 2-storey basement. Sandstone ashlar, rock-faced to 2 basement levels. Roll-moulded base course, band courses, string course, blocking course. Pilaster strips with Egyptian motif divide bays. Predominantly round-arched window openings with some rectangular tripartite openings to N. Segmental-arched openings to ground at N with off-centre pend.

FURTHER DESCRIPTION: Entrance elevation to W with central buttressed and corbelled tower with round-arched entrance doorway with pointed smooth and carved voussoirs and recessed entrance door. 4-light geometric tracery window above and 2-light louvred openings to 3rd stage. 3 centrally-placed tiered octagonal lanterns above with decorative filigree metal balustrade to 2nd tier. Decorative stone balustrade to tower with 8 square-plan stone pinnacles surmounted by ornamental curved pinnacles with fine ornate metalwork finials.

Predominantly 2 and 4-light geometric tracery windows with some plate glass timber sash and case windows to N. Some fixed pane glazing. Grey slates.

INTERIOR: (seen 2007). Simple, white-washed 5-bay with timber gallery to 3 sides and central, tall, timber round-arch to E wall. Decorative cast-iron columns support gallery and some roof framework. Flat roof, with hammerbeam roof believed to be in situ above.

Statement of Special Interest

Ecclesiastical building in use as such.

Augustine Church is a richly decorated, distinctive and unusual building, composed of an eclectic mixture of architectural styles, and with a particularly idiosyncratic squat tower. The mixture of Romanesque, Renaissance and Classical motifs combine to produce a remarkable building which adds significantly to the streetscape of the area. The square-plan tower with 3 octagonal tiers and prominent and decorative iron-work is particularly striking. The Church, with its entrance on George IV Bridge, is typical of central Edinburgh buildings in having 2 basement levels below the level of George IV bridge, making effective use of the differing heights of the streets in this part of the city.

This church was originally a Congregational Church, built as a replacement for a chapel which was demolished circa 1855 to make way for the Royal Museum in Chambers Street (see separate listing). The previous chapel became too small and the congregation purchased land on George IV Bridge for this church at a cost of £900. The building was expensive to construct and incurred more expense when the roof began to collapse during the erection of the building. The architect David Bryce was consulted to suggest a solution and he suggested the cast-iron pillars which were inserted to prevent any further bulging of the walls. The church was opened on 8th November 1861. The newly built church was of some interest to the people of Edinburgh and its unusual architectural style brought a mixed response with one Professor Blackie likening the spire to a Wedding cake.

J, J M and W H Hay (practice circa 1848-61) were an architect firm of 3 brothers based in Liverpool but whose output was largely confined to Scotland and the North of England.. They received commissions for predominantly Free Churches and Schools and built often on the Gothic style. This church is seen as a departure from their usual style.

List description revised as part of Edinburgh Holyrood Ward resurvey 2007-08.

References

Bibliography

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