Air raid shelters in cellars at City Chambers

Category

Library Item

Item no

2823

Title

Air raid shelters in cellars at City Chambers

Description

The large arched cellar under the City Chambers has an uneven floor and ceiling. In the centre of the room is a light fitting. To the right, piping runs along the bottom of the room towards the fireplace with a large pipe running up from it through the ceiling. A doorway at the end of the room leads to steps.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1939

Size

16 x 21 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

City Chambers was designed by John Adam and built between 1753-61. It was intended as premises for a merchant exchange, but this was not entirely successful and the building was overtaken by Edinburgh's Council during the 19th century. The council instigated significant extensions to the building in the years around 1900. The building was constructed over several Old Town closes. One of these subterranean streets, Mary King's Close, is now open to the public.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

Events > Disturbances > Conflicts

Government > Local > City and town halls

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh