Who designed the Melville Monument, and what was the inspiration behind its design?

The Melville Monument, designed by William Burn and featuring a statue by Robert Forrest, was erected in St Andrew's Square in Edinburgh between 1821 and 1823. It honors Henry Dundas, the first Viscount Melville, a Tory statesman. The design was inspired by Trajan's victory column in Rome, symbolizing imperial grandeur.

Who was Henry Dundas, and why was the Melville Monument built in his honor?

Henry Dundas, the first Viscount Melville, held several high-ranking positions, including Treasurer of the Navy. He significantly influenced British policy during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. While celebrated by some, he is also criticized for his role in delaying the abolition of slavery. The Melville Monument was conceived as a tribute to his life and achievements.

Where is the Melville monument and how was the location chosen for the Melville Monument in Edinburgh?

The selection of St Andrew's Square as the location for the Melville Monument involved considerable debate and challenges, with various factions vying for control over the project. The Melville Monument Committee, primarily composed of navy officers and Scottish elites, was instrumental in ensuring the monument's construction despite legal disputes and financial constraints.

What is the enduring legacy of the Melville Monument, and what debates surround its existence?

The Melville Monument is a focal point for discussions about Scottish identity, colonial legacies, and the role of monuments in shaping our understanding of the past. Some view it as a tribute to a distinguished statesman, while others criticize its association with empire and its perceived glorification of a controversial figure. The debates reflect ongoing efforts to reconcile with Scotland's colonial past.

How does the design of the Melville Monument reflect the historical context in which it was built?

William Burn drew inspiration from Trajan's victory column in Rome to reflect the imperial ambitions of the British Empire. The monument's design and placement were intended to symbolize power and prestige. The monument serves as a reminder of Edinburgh's complex past and its ongoing efforts to reconcile with its colonial legacy.

From Scottish Statesman to Controversial Icon: The Story Behind Edinburgh's Melville Monument

Theo Raines in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the complex history of the Melville Monument in Edinburgh and its impact on the city's identity, colonial context, and urban landscape."

Edinburgh, a city renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history, is home to numerous monuments that tell tales of its past. Among these, the Melville Monument stands tall in St Andrew's Square, a tribute to Henry Dundas, the first Viscount Melville. Erected between 1821 and 1823, this monument has become a focal point of the city, embodying both imperial grandeur and complex historical narratives.

Designed by William Burn, the Melville Monument is a towering structure, drawing inspiration from Trajan's victory column in Rome. Topped by a statue of Dundas sculpted by Robert Forrest, the monument has long been a subject of fascination and controversy, symbolizing Scotland's intricate relationship with the British Empire and its own evolving identity.

This article delves into the history of the Melville Monument, exploring its commission, construction, and the debates surrounding its place in Edinburgh's urban landscape. By examining the monument's colonial context and its role in shaping the city's identity, we uncover a compelling story of ambition, controversy, and the enduring power of public art.

A Monumental Undertaking: The Making of the Melville Monument

The Melville Monument was conceived as a tribute to Henry Dundas, a prominent Tory statesman who played a significant role in British politics during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As the first Viscount Melville, Dundas held various high-ranking positions, including Treasurer of the Navy, and was instrumental in shaping British policy both at home and abroad. His death in 1811 prompted efforts to commemorate his life and achievements with a grand monument in Edinburgh.

Initial discussions centered on the location of the monument, with several sites considered before St Andrew's Square was chosen. The selection process was fraught with challenges, as various factions vied for control over the project and debated the monument's design and placement. Despite these obstacles, the Melville Monument Committee, composed primarily of navy officers and Scottish elites, remained determined to see the project through.

The monument's design, provided by William Burn, drew inspiration from Trajan's victory column in Rome, reflecting the imperial ambitions of the British Empire.
Robert Forrest's statue of Henry Dundas, added to the monument in 1827, further solidified its status as a symbol of power and prestige.
The construction of the Melville Monument was not without its difficulties, as legal disputes and financial constraints threatened to derail the project.

Despite these challenges, the Melville Monument was completed in 1823, standing as a testament to the ambition and determination of its creators. However, the monument's legacy has been far from straightforward, as debates over Dundas's role in history and the monument's colonial context have continued to this day.

The Enduring Legacy: Debates and Reinterpretations

Today, the Melville Monument remains a prominent landmark in Edinburgh, a reminder of the city's complex past and its ongoing efforts to reconcile with its colonial legacy. While some view the monument as a tribute to a distinguished statesman, others criticize it for its association with empire and its perceived glorification of a controversial figure. As debates over historical memory and public art continue, the Melville Monument serves as a focal point for discussions about Scottish identity, colonial legacies, and the role of monuments in shaping our understanding of the past.