Robert Mylne (mason) facts for kids
Robert Mylne (born 1633 – died 1710) was a famous Scottish stonemason and architect. A stonemason is someone who cuts and shapes stone, and an architect designs buildings. Robert came from a long line of builders called the Mylne family. He was the last person to hold a very important job: the Master Mason to the Crown of Scotland. He had this job from 1668 until he passed away.
Robert Mylne's Life
Robert Mylne was part of a family known for building. His grandfather, John Mylne, was also a Master Mason for the King. Robert's uncle, another John Mylne, taught him how to be a stonemason and architect. This was like an apprenticeship, where he learned all the skills.
Early Projects
After learning his trade, Robert started his own building projects. His first known job was in 1665 at John Wood's Hospital in Upper Largo, Fife. In 1668, he was hired to build a new market cross in Perth. A market cross was a special stone pillar in the town square. The old one had been destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's army.
Robert also helped finish Leslie House for the Earl of Rothes. He made Wemyss Castle bigger for the Earl of Wemyss. He even worked on Drumlanrig Castle for the Earl of Queensberry.
Royal Builder
As the King's Master Mason, Robert was in charge of keeping the royal castles in good shape. He repaired Edinburgh Castle several times. A part of the castle, called the Mylne Battery, is named after him.
In 1671, King Charles II ordered work to begin on Holyrood Palace. This was a very important royal building. A famous architect named Sir William Bruce designed it. Robert Mylne drew the plans and was the main builder. You can even see his name on a pillar inside the palace courtyard.
At the same time, Robert worked with Sir William Bruce at Thirlestane Castle. This castle belonged to the Duke of Lauderdale. The Duke was also in charge of the work at Holyrood. Robert also built fancy gate pillars for the Duke's home in England, Ham House.
Building Edinburgh
From 1674 to 1681, Robert Mylne helped build new water pipes and storage tanks for Edinburgh. This brought fresh drinking water to the city.
Robert also started building houses to sell. In 1678, he bought land in Leith, which is Edinburgh's port. He built ten homes there. Later, in 1684, he built a bigger area called Mylne's Square in the center of Edinburgh. This square was where the Bank of Scotland first started in 1695. Sadly, Mylne's Square was taken down later.
In 1690, he built Milne's Court further up the Royal Mile. Today, students live there. Robert also built many other apartment buildings, called tenements, for other people.
Later Life and Family
The money Robert earned from his building projects allowed him to buy land. He bought estates in Fife and near Edinburgh. He passed away at the age of 77 in Inveresk. He was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, under a monument he had built for his uncle.
Robert Mylne had eight sons and six daughters with his wife, Elizabeth Meikle. His oldest daughter, Janet, married an architect named James Smith. James had worked with Robert at Holyrood Palace. Robert's oldest son, William, continued the family building business. Robert's great-grandson, also named Robert Mylne, became a famous architect and engineer in London.
