Twice Lord Provost of Edinburgh, but best known for his work as a publisher, including the poems of Robert Burns. William lived and worked in the Luckenbooths beside St Giles. Here he ran his printing, publishing and book selling business as well as holding his famous parties. These social events brought together the brightest intellects & characters of the time and played no little part in the enlightenment period in Edinburgh. As William’s business and political influence grew he moved to the New Town where he lived at 5 George Street until his death in 1815. William, like many other major figures in the enlightenment, never married. He is buried in the West Yard at Greyfriars.
