James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, David Hume, and James's Court black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: James's Court. David Hume and James Boswell were residents - and Dr Johnson a guest - in this 18th century courtyard. Declined c.1790 with rise of New Town. Buildings destroyed by fire 1857.

James Boswell was a Scottish biographer and diarist best known for his biography "The Life of Samuel Johnson"; Dr Samuel Johnson was an influential writer and lexicographer whose conversations were chronicled by Boswell; David Hume was a prominent philosopher, historian, and economist who significantly influenced the Enlightenment. James's Court was historically significant as it housed these intellectual figures in the 18th century before its decline with the rise of Edinburgh's New Town.