Portobello, aerial view

Category

Library Item

Item no

10625

Title

Portobello, aerial view

Description

Portobello Swimming Pool lies at the bottom of Bellfield Street, Edinburgh. To its right lies Pittville Street Lane. The area is filled with residential houses. The beach is busy with people enjoying the sand and sea.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1930

Size

15.9 x 21 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.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Sports and recreation facilities > Swimming pools