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.

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