Editor Pick
Trinity House
- April 26, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Drever from Ayr
Trinity House in Leith is probably the finest museum of shipping in Scotland. It holds rare artifacts dating back more than 600 years. Visitors can see fine paintings, including David Scott's vast illustration of Vasco de Gama passing the Cape of Good Hope. A collection of model ships includes a 68-gun warship made by a French prisoner in Edinburgh Castle in 1799. It is made from wood with painted details and is no more than 80mm high. It sits in its original mahogany and glass case.
Trinity House began life as a charity in the 14th century for mariners. It was firstly the site of a medieval hospital for the sick, elderly, and travelers. Then it became, through trade incorporations, a place for sailors and related traders to retire and get care. Mary Queen of Scots, granted it a Royal Charter in 1566. The chest, which held the Royal Charter of the Incorporation, is on display but the Charter is unfortunately lost. Trinity House prospered, funded by a tax levied on cargo passing through the Port of Leith.
The small port of Leith plays a big part in Scottish maritime history. In 1296, after the English captured Berwick, Leith became the principal port in Scotland. It remained so until the rise of Glasgow after 1707. With the number of Masters declining as the port traffic fell away through the 20th Century, Trinity House is now a working museum.
Trinity House looks like a typical Georgian house, however vaulted cellars dating from 1555, which formed of earlier buildings are still accessible. Unfortunately, now sitting within the 1960s Newkirkgate Shopping Centre at the foot of Leith Walk, the surroundings are less than ideal but it is well worth seeking out.
The building includes fine interiors, decorated with many scenes of the sea and the seafarer, including remarkable ceilings and black slate chimneypieces. A fine stained-glass window on the main stair acts as a memorial to those from the Port of Leith who lost their lives during the First World War. Paintings include a portrait of Admiral Duncan of Camperdown (1731-1804) by Henry Raeburn (1756-1823), which hangs prominently in the meeting room. Duncan, born in Dundee, defeated the Dutch fleet in 1797.
Trinity house also includes the regalia of the Provost of Leith, before merger with Edinburgh. This unique property is in the care of Historic Scotland and a strong reminder of Leith's seafaring heritage.
Any bus traveling from Edinburgh Princes Street to the foot of Leith Walk will take you there. At the foot, walk down through Newkirkgate Shopping Centre to Trinity House (4 miniutes). It is open all year but visits must be booked by calling 0131 554 3289. Because of the open nature of the displays, visits are guided tours only. It is indeed a hidden treasure but worth the search.
Admission: Adult £4 Child £2 Concessions £3.00
From journal Leith and district – sail, steam & flight