Photograph of the Royal Patent Gymnasium, Canonmillls

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

52362

Title

Photograph of the Royal Patent Gymnasium, Canonmills, Edinburgh, 1865 on the site of the present King George V Park

Description

One black and white aerial photograph of the Royal Patent Gymnasium, Edinburgh. The photo shows the famous 'Great Sea Serpent' a 600 person rowing machine. Other attractions can be seen in the background such as the 'Chang' which was a giant seesaw which people would be strapped to. Within a walnut frame.

Accession number

SH.2022.512

Copyright

The City of Edinburgh Council Museums & Galleries

The Royal Patent Gymnasium (Royal Crescent Park ) operated from 1865 until the end of the 19th century. It was a cross between a fairground and a sporting facility. It included rides such as the Sea Serpent Rotary Boat, Velocipede Merry-Go-Round, and the Planetarium Swing. It also had an athletics hall and activities such as winter skating, races and gymnastics. It aimed to provide "healthful and exhilarating recreation in the open air". The "Royal Patent Gymnasium", was the idea of philanthropist and business man John Cox (c.1805-1874) and was described as the "New Wonder of Edinburgh" by the local newspapers. Built on the former Canonmills Loch, now the site of King George V Park, it would regularly attract 15,000 people daily costing 6d for adults and 3d for those under 12years. The 'Great Sea Serpent' was one of the main attractions and was a 600 person rowing machine. The "Chang" another, which was a giant seesaw with a wooden circular catwalk which moved a lengthy chain of 144 leather saddles where people sat, propelling themselves along with their feet. The Prince Alfred Wreck Escape allowed non swimmers to experience escaping from a sinking ship. During the winter it turned into an ice rink and was lit at night.

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