Library of Mistakes

EP 39: Shelf Life #4 (with Ray Perman)

6 snips
May 30, 2025
Ray Perman, an author and journalist famed for his insights into Edinburgh’s financial history, joins librarian Helen Williams for a captivating exploration. They take listeners on the Money Talks, Money Walks tour, revealing the city's financial heritage, from Adam Smith's legacy to modern tech-infused walking apps. Their discussion highlights upcoming events at the Library of Mistakes, including a talk on financial crime, and suggests must-read books—showcasing how understanding financial missteps is crucial for informed decision-making.
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ANECDOTE

Gilbert Innes's Surprising Legacy

  • Gilbert Innes of Stowe, a bachelor and deputy governor of Royal Bank of Scotland, reportedly had 67 illegitimate children.
  • His spinster sisters cared for many children he brought home, unaware they were all his nieces and nephews.
ANECDOTE

Edinburgh's Financial Historic Sites

  • Edinburgh's Royal Mile features sites of the first British commercial bank and the disastrous Darien scheme.
  • Adam Smith lived and worked there, famously walking through horse waste while lost in thought.
INSIGHT

Edinburgh's Financial Knowledge Roots

  • Edinburgh became a financial hub due to its knowledge economy, legal system, and focus on mathematics.
  • The Church of Scotland Ministers' Pension Fund, founded 300 years ago using actuarial science, is the world's oldest such fund still operating.
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