Belhaven, Scotland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Belhaven |
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An aerial view of Belhaven |
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 Belhaven
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| OS grid reference | NT665784 |
| Civil parish | |
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| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | DUNBAR |
| Postcode district | EH42 |
| Dialling code | 01368 |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Belhaven is a small village in East Lothian, Scotland. It used to be the old port for the town of Dunbar. The village gets its name from being located at the mouth of the Biel Water river. Belhaven is also home to Belhaven Hill School, a private school for kids aged 7 to 13.
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History of Belhaven
Belhaven started as a smaller settlement connected to the town of Dunbar. People first mentioned it in the 12th century. It was known as the main port for Dunbar. The village was divided into small farms and homes.
Belhaven continued to be Dunbar's port until the 16th century. At that time, new port facilities were built closer to Dunbar. The old pier and breakwater at Belhaven were later removed. Their stones were used for other buildings.
Old Industries in Belhaven
Belhaven had a good supply of water from the now-drained Belhaven Loch. This helped a leather tanning industry grow there. Tanning is the process of making animal hides into leather. Many villagers also grew fruits and vegetables. They would trade these goods in Dunbar.
The easy access to water also helped brewing develop. Brewing is the process of making beer. It is said that the first brewers in the area were monks. These monks came from a monastery on the Isle of May. They had been given land in the Belhaven area.
Modern Belhaven
In 1901, a hospital called Dunbar Combination Hospital opened south of Belhaven. Today, it is still a community hospital. It also serves as a nursing home on the same site.
The layout of Belhaven has not changed much in the last 200 years. Its street plan is still very similar to how it looked centuries ago. Six large houses on the edge of the village helped keep its shape. These big properties stopped Dunbar from growing and joining Belhaven. Most of the village is now a Conservation Area. This means many of its older buildings are protected.
Past Industries
In 1806, a spinning mill was built in Belhaven. A spinning mill makes thread from fibers. However, this mill closed after only a short time.
In 1815, a factory for cotton goods opened. It was in the old army barracks near Winterfield Park. This factory employed 250 looms and 550 people. Many of these workers were Irish immigrants. This industry also closed down. It happened after the East Lothian Bank failed in 1823.
Belhaven Brewery
The Belhaven Brewery is a well-known company. It is now owned by Greene King. The brewery makes Belhaven Best ale. It also produces several other types of beer.
