The signal tower, Leith Harbour

Category

Library Item

Item no

4909

Title

The signal tower, Leith Harbour

Artist / maker

Shepherd, Thomas Hosmer

Engraver

Henshall, J.

Date

1829

Size

11.9 x 16.4 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This building was originally a windmill but was converted for use as a signal tower during the Napoleonic War. It remained a feature of the beach until land was reclaimed for constructing the Albert Dock, opened in 1869.

Leith is situated in the north of Edinburgh where the Water of Leith joins the Firth of Forth. It has acted as Edinburgh's maritime connection for many centuries, and continues to be one of the UK's busiest ports. It was incorporated into Edinburgh in 1920 having previously been a separate burgh. It is now home to the Scottish Executive's main offices, Edinburgh's Sikh temple, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Ocean Terminal, a large shopping and entertainment complex.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Watch towers

People > Transportation > Sailors

Places > Edinburgh areas > Leith

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Piers and wharves

Transport > Water > Boats

Transport > Water > Ships

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