The Tower, Portobello

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

11636

Title

The Tower, Portobello

Description

The building known as the Tower at Portobello, Edinburgh stands in a ruinous state. It has a series of arched windows and is covered in stone carving. At its base is a row of derelict cottages. Three girls in Victorian dress are gathered beside a fence in the foreground.

Artist / maker

Begbie, Thomas

Date

1887

Size

8.3 x 17.1 cm

Type

Glass negative

Location

City Art Centre

Copyright

The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie Prints ; The City of Edinburgh Council Museums & Galleries

Portobello developed around a cottage built in the mid 18th century. The sailor who occupied the cottage had fought at Puerto Bello, a port in Panama captured by the British in 1739, and named his home after the battle. With its long beach the town became an increasingly popular leisure destination. It boasted a pier between 1871-1917 and an outdoor swimming pool between 1936-1979. Holidaymakers and day-trippers could also visit the Marine Gardens or the fun fair, both now demolished. The town has been part of Edinburgh since 1896.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Arches

Architecture > Architectural features > Watch towers

Homes > Residential buildings > Cottages

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

People > Adults > Women

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

(55°57′19″N, 3°6′46″W)

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