Tenements in Edinburgh that'represent 1000 years of history' have been restored to its former splendour. The 17th century structure known as cordiner's land, together with its neighbors, is a significant feature of the Old Town. We will use the information you give when you subscribe to deliver you these emails. They contain links to articles and resources that we think will be interesting and useful to you. Edinburgh's tenements were built between 1450 and 1700. They're all that remains of many large houses that used to stand in this part of town. At one time there were more than 500 tenements in Edinburgh but now only 40 remain. Cordiners lands were originally empty lots along the city wall where traders sold wood from the royal forest to decorate their homes during Christmas and other festive seasons. As more buildings were constructed around them, they became home to small workshops and storage facilities. These days most cordiners lands are occupied by small businesses or apartments. The first recorded sale of a tenement in Edinburgh took place in 1558. Up until then these large houses had been owned by noblemen or wealthy merchants. But as soon as they were no longer needed for housing families they were quickly converted into shops or offices. This process continued well into the 19th century when modern building techniques enabled engineers, architects and others who worked with their hands to create beautiful structures that do not damage the integrity of the tenement itself.