John Knox House facts for kids
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| Location | Scottish Storytelling Centre, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR, United Kingdom |
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| Type | Historic house |
John Knox House is a very old and famous house in Edinburgh, Scotland. Many people believe that John Knox, a key leader of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, once lived here. Even though the house is named after him, it seems he actually lived in a different place called Warriston Close. A special sign there shows where his real home was.
History of the House
This historic house was built a long time ago, starting in 1470. It has a beautiful wooden gallery and ceilings that were painted by hand in the Scottish Renaissance style. The house first belonged to Walter Reidpath. Later, his granddaughter Mariota Arres inherited it in 1556. She married a goldsmith named James Mosman. James's father, John Mosman, was also a goldsmith and even helped remake the crown for James V, a Scottish king.
In 1567, James Mosman was working on some jewelry for Mary, Queen of Scots. At this time, Mary was held prisoner in Lochleven Castle. James Mosman stayed loyal to Queen Mary even when she was sent away to England. He worked in Edinburgh Castle with another goldsmith, James Cockie. They made coins for Mary's supporters during a time of conflict known as the 'Lang Siege'. The two goldsmiths also looked at the jewels of Mary, Queen of Scots that were still in the castle. They figured out how much the jewels were worth so they could be used to get money.
When Edinburgh Castle finally gave up in August 1573, James Mosman faced serious charges for his actions. The house was then taken by the government because of this. It was given to James Carmichael by James VI of Scotland.
In 1849, some old carvings were found hidden behind wooden panels in the house. These were carefully brought back to life in 1850 by Alexander Handyside Ritchie. The building was also repaired and updated again in 1984.
Over many years, more decorations and paintings were added to the house. Today, John Knox House is a museum. The Church of Scotland owns the building, and it is now managed as part of the nearby Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Why is it Called John Knox House?
A pamphlet for visitors says that John Knox lived in this house for only a few months during the siege of Edinburgh Castle. It is also believed that he passed away here. The name "John Knox's House" became very popular from the mid-1800s. Writers like Robert Chambers and Sir Daniel Wilson helped spread this idea. They repeated a popular story that started around 1800, linking Knox's name to the house.
The house looked old enough to fit the stories, but no one has found clear proof that Knox actually lived there. However, because the building is so noticeable, it is almost certain that Knox would have known it well. The actual place where he lived is marked by a plaque in Warriston Close, which is a bit further up the street.
After a big event in the Church of Scotland in 1843, called the Disruption, a new group called the Free Church bought the house. This might have made people believe even more strongly that it was connected to John Knox. In 1849, the city council planned to tear down the house. But a person who cared a lot about old buildings, Lord Cockburn, worked hard to save it.
Right next to John Knox House, on its west side, is Moubray House. The owner of Moubray House, Robert Moubray, also owned the house in Warriston Close where John Knox actually stayed in the 1560s.
See also
Images for kids
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The historic Wellhead near John Knox House
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The Wellhead located outside John Knox House
