I just realised that I did not post my little adventure to Blackford Hill in Edinburgh which I did at the end of March.
It had been a while since I visited and I knew that I always enjoy the views from there. So I walked via Morningside and the Grange to Blackford.
Entering Blackford HillRoyal Observatory
It is a gentle climb up the hill and as well as seeing the lovely architecture of the Royal Observatory, it rewards you with amazing views of the city.
One of my favourite buildings in Inverness is its townhall.
The Inverness Townhall is located on the high street close to the River Ness.
Front Entrance of Iverness Townhall
It was designed by William Lawrie in the Gothic style, built with ashlar stone and was officially opened by the Duke of Edinburgh on 19 January 1882. The design was modelled on The McManus, an art gallery and museum in Dundee which had been designed by George Gilbert Scott and completed in 1867.
I had a day of looking up as I walked Princes Street in the bonnie capital. Nestled in between the modern, standard white framed windows I enjoyed the craftsmanship of yesteryear’s amazing windows.
The detail is quite amazing.
Love the craftsmanship on the build and detail around this window, located at the British Hotel. The chandelier was like a jewel on display.
This one is almost hidden on the street.
This one was fascinating with the addition of red and white checkered curtains.
This one is part of the grand, old Jenners building!
I wish the new builds paid just as much detail and craftmanship.
I have walked this path more times than I can count. A shortcut from Holyrood Park to St. Leonards.
However, on this occasion, it was different. I saw a grey circle in the wall. A plaque. I now realised that this wall was once part of a building.
So needless to say, I stopped for closer inspection.
The plaque had the following inscription :
Here stood
Braidwood’s Academy
for the Deaf and Dumb.
The world’s first regularly
organised school for the deaf.
1760-1783.
Founded by
Thomas Braidwood
1715-1806
Oh my! The world’s first deaf school! I have since learned that Braidwood succeeded in developing teaching methods for deaf children [HeritageGateway]. His approach was to use natural gestures rather than the oralism used elsewhere in Europe. The Braidwoods represented deaf education for nearly half a century, however the school in Edinburgh closed and Braidwood then moved to London and established The Braidwood Academy for the Deaf and Dumb in Hackney.
I was so glad that I noticed it and yet sad that the area had become so overgrown and not well maintained.
I slowly walked the perimeter to follow what I now understood must be the wall of the original school.
I eventually came across the sign: Braidwood Gate. I had seen this sign many times but was unaware of its significance. Now I do. I imagine that this may have been the school’s entrance.
I continued to follow the wall. I did see a Yucca plant! It seemed out of place but then I remembered an old Canadian saying:
When you see a Lilac bush that seem to be out of place [in the middle of nowhere],
it is often a sign of where a family once stood.
Anonymous
With that in mind, it seems fitting to have this plant here. It may not be a Lilac bush, but it is warming to think of it as representing children that once stood here.
As I continued my walk I saw another sign. Perhaps this may have been an exit.
I am really glad I took the time to digest what is left of the school but sad that the ruin was not better maintained like abbeys and castles. However, I do carry some satisfaction in spreading the word about this important historic landmark that sits hidden behind Arthur’s seat. Thank you Thomas Braidwood, you are certainly a historic Scottish Pearl.
I have walked Edinburgh’s Leith Street countless times! Crossed Calton Road just as many! As a result, I always see this bridge -The Regent Bridge. Such architecture!
View of Regent Bridge from Leith StreetRegent Bridge at night
Regent Bridge is a road bridge that connects Calton Hill with Princes street. The structure has amazing architectural detail that seamlessly connects the buildings on either side.
South view from the Bridge on Wellington Place
The bridge was built between 1814 and 1819 during the modernisation of the medieval city to the north and west of the hill. Apparently Calton road below the bridge was once a ravine with small alleys. They were removed during the construction of the bridge.
Road Bridge East to Calton hill and Regent Road Road Bridge West to Princes StreetView of Waverley from Regent BridgeView of Picardy from Regent BridgeCloser views of the BridgeNorth view from Regent Bridge
Today most take the structure for granted only stopping at the location to catch a bus. However, when you do look up, it is truly quite remarkable.
Walking from the bridge to Calton Hill
So next time you are walking to Calton Hill, remember to look up.
It was such a beautiful day in the capital yesterday. It was so good to see people enjoying the Old Town. A resemblance of pre-COVID days. As I passed the Milkman cafe on Cockburn street I had to take a photo …. Yet again! It looked majestic in the morning sun. I love that building and am glad that it continues to grace our city.
A reference from the conservation project states that “The Milkman forms part of the group of buildings, dating from 1859, and its significance lies in the part it played towards unifying the frontage of the serpentine Baronial styled terrace of the street.”
Well, it certainly does that! The architecture is wonderful.
