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James Smith (architect, died 1731) facts for kids

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James Smith (around 1645–1731) was a famous Scottish architect. He was one of the first to use the Palladian style in Scotland. This style was inspired by ancient Roman buildings. A well-known architect named Colen Campbell once called him "the most experienced architect of that kingdom." This means he was considered the best architect in Scotland at the time.

About James Smith

James Smith was born in a place called Tarbat in Ross. His father, also named James Smith, was a mason (a builder who works with stone). His father became a burgess of Forres in 1659. A burgess was like a special citizen with certain rights in a town.

Many people believe James Smith went to the Scots College, Rome from 1671 to 1675. He first planned to become a Catholic priest. Even if this isn't 100% certain, we know he traveled a lot. He was also very well-educated and knew Latin.

Early Career and Family

By 1677, Smith was working with Sir William Bruce. Bruce was the most important architect in Scotland back then. He designed the rebuilt Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. Smith worked there as a mason, helping to build with stone. He worked under the main mason, Robert Mylne.

In 1679, James Smith married Mylne's daughter, Janet. Because of this marriage, he became a burgess of Edinburgh. In 1680, he joined a special group for masons and builders in Edinburgh.

Royal Architect

In 1683, Smith got a very important job. He was named the Surveyor and Overseer of the Royal Works. This job was like being the main architect for the King. Sir William Bruce used to have this job. Smith earned £100 a year.

His main task was to take care of Holyrood Palace. He also fixed up the old Holyrood Abbey. He turned it into a special church for King James VII. From 1685 to 1686, he was a member of the Parliament of Scotland for Forres.

After Scotland and England joined together in 1707, his royal job was renewed. However, he didn't get paid anymore. He did some work surveying forts in the Scottish Highlands. This work was for the Board of Ordnance. But this job ended in 1719. He was 73 years old and felt he was "disgracefully turned out" of his job. In 1715, he tried to become a Member of Parliament for Edinburgh but didn't win.

Personal Life

In 1686, James Smith bought land called Whitehill near Musselburgh. He built a country house there. But a business idea to mine coal didn't work out. This made him sell part of his land in 1706. He gave the rest of his estate to his son-in-law in 1726.

James Smith had a very large family. He had 18 children with his first wife, Janet Mylne. She passed away in 1699 when she was 37. He married again and had another 14 children with his second wife.

Amazing Buildings by James Smith

We don't know exactly how James Smith learned to be an architect. Some historians think he might have taught Colen Campbell. Campbell was a Scottish architect who brought the Palladian style to England. Smith had traveled and brought Italian ideas back to Scotland. These ideas might have inspired the Palladian style in Britain.

Key Projects

James Smith worked on several important buildings:

Country Houses

Smith's country houses followed a style set by William Bruce. They had sloped roofs and front sections with triangular tops (pediments). They were simple but beautiful in the Palladian style.

Other houses he worked on include Yester House (1701–1715) and Alloa Tower. He also built his own home at Whitehill around 1690. Another house, Strathleven House, is thought to be his work too. After 1700, he often worked with another architect, Alexander McGill. After 1710, he mostly stopped his architectural work.

Engineering Work

James Smith also did engineering projects. For example, he helped settle a disagreement about building Cockenzie harbour. In 1701, he got the rights to make the Thomas Savery steam engine.

In the 1720s, he was involved in an early idea for a Forth and Clyde Canal. This canal would have linked the east and west coasts of Scotland. He worked on this idea with William Adam and Alexander McGill.

List of Architectural Works

Here are some of the buildings James Smith designed or helped design:

Gallery of Architectural Work

Images for kids

  • LowParksMuseum

    The Low Parks Museum in Hamilton, originally designed by James Smith.

  • Mackenzie mausoleum

    Tomb of Sir George Mackenzie in Greyfriars Kirkyard

  • Canongatekirkfrontview

    Kirk of the Canongate, on Edinburgh's Royal Mile

  • Balduchin or Ciborium at the Queensberry aisle, Durisdeer

    Balduchin by James Smith at Durisdeer in Scotland.

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