Augustine Bristo Congregational Church, 41-43 George Iv Bridge, Edinburgh

J, J M and W H Hay, (Liverpool) 1857-61. Symmetrical, freestyle, nave and flanking aisles church with distinctive central, slightly advanced, 3-stage square-plan entrance tower to W (George IV Bridge), surmounted by 3 tiered octagonal lanterns with metal weathervane at apex. 6-bay elevation to Merchant Street (N) with 2-storey basement. Sandstone ashlar, rock-faced to 2 basement levels. Roll-moulded base course, band courses, string course, blocking course. Pilaster strips with Egyptian motif divide bays. Predominantly round-arched window openings with some rectangular tripartite openings to N. Segmental-arched openings to ground at N with off-centre pend.

FURTHER DESCRIPTION: Entrance elevation to W with central buttressed and corbelled tower with round-arched entrance doorway with pointed smooth and carved voussoirs and recessed entrance door. 4-light geometric tracery window above and 2-light louvred openings to 3rd stage. 3 centrally-placed tiered octagonal lanterns above with decorative filigree metal balustrade to 2nd tier. Decorative stone balustrade to tower with 8 square-plan stone pinnacles surmounted by ornamental curved pinnacles with fine ornate metalwork finials.

Predominantly 2 and 4-light geometric tracery windows with some plate glass timber sash and case windows to N. Some fixed pane glazing. Grey slates.

INTERIOR: (seen 2007). Simple, white-washed 5-bay with timber gallery to 3 sides and central, tall, timber round-arch to E wall. Decorative cast-iron columns support gallery and some roof framework. Flat roof, with hammerbeam roof believed to be in situ above.