MELVILLE'S MONUMENT
Erected 1822

The Melville Monument, in the centre of Edinburgh's St. Andrew Square, was erected in memory of Henry Dundas, the Viscount Melville (1742 - 1811) otherwise known as the 'Uncrowned King of Scotland' such was his political power, he was even called King Henry the 9th sometimes.

He looks downs onto George Street, named in honour of the reigning King George III.

The statue was designed by William Burn (1789 - 1870) and modelled on Trajan's Column in Rome, advice for the foundations was given from lighthouse engineer Thomas Stevenson (1818-87), father of author Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-94).

Officers and men of the Royal Navy contributed to the cost of he monument (Dundas was Treasurer of the Navy amongst his other positions).