Portobello High Street

Category

Library Item

Item no

4301

Title

Portobello High Street

Description

An image of Portobello High Street, Edinburgh at the corner of Brighton Place and Bath Street. Businesses line each side of the street including the Argyle Hotel and Parson's Boot Store. In the distance the clock tower of the Town Hall (now Police Station) can be seen. Many people are walking down the street and several horses and carts and a tram are moving along the cobbled street.

Artist / maker

Inglis, Alexander Adam

Date

1909

Size

14.3 x 20.2 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

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.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Business > Service industry > Shops

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Public accommodation facilities > Hotels

Transport > Infrastructure > Tramlines

Transport > Land > Trams

(55°57′14″N, 3°6′57″W)

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.