01/09/2026
The gorgeous Circus Lane, Edinburgh
The History Of Circus Lane Edinburgh
Circus Lane was built in the early 1800s as part of the second phase of Edinburgh's New Town. Since the 1760s, the city's more affluent residents had been moving out of the crowded Old Town and into the newly developed houses of Thistle Street and beyond.
This 'New Town' was so successful that, between 1800-30 it was further extended, north, towards what was once the village of Stockbridge.
One of the roads made during this second phase of development was Royal Circus, a grand Georgian circle surrounded by terraces of 4-5 storey manors. These were bought by very wealthy residents, the sort who owned their own staff, horses and carriages. And it was for these purposes that Circus Lane was built: to be lived in by the staff and horses of the wealthy.
Fast forward to today and Circus Lane's houses have been converted into properties in their own right. The stables have been made into garages and the residents are no longer servants of those living in the larger houses one street away.
St Stephen's, the church whose spire can be seen poking up behind Circus Lane's rooftops, was built on the neighbouring St Stephen's Street between 1827-8, adding the crowning touch to what so many love about Circus Lane today.