Broughton, Edinburgh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Broughton |
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 Broughton Place |
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 Broughton
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| Council area |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Edinburgh |
| Postcode district | EH1 |
| Dialling code | 0131 (558) |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Broughton is a lively area in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was once an old village that existed outside Edinburgh. Over time, as Edinburgh grew, Broughton became part of the city. This happened mostly in the 1700s and 1800s.
Today, Broughton is mostly a place where people live. But it also has many small shops and businesses. You can find several old church buildings and even an art gallery here. It's also home to important places like the Edinburgh Museums collection centre.
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Broughton's History
Broughton used to be a special kind of land called a "feudal barony." This meant it was controlled by a powerful family. In the 1500s and 1600s, the Bellenden family owned Broughton. They were a wealthy family who worked in law.
One famous member was Sir John Bellenden. He was at the crowning of King James VI in 1567. His family owned a lot of land and had many people living on it. The area was even known for stories about witchcraft long ago.
How Broughton Grew
At first, Broughton was just scattered houses on farmlands. But as Edinburgh expanded, more and more houses were built. This happened before Edinburgh's "New Town" was created. The New Town was built right next to Broughton.
Today, Broughton's borders are roughly defined by several roads. These include Leith Walk, Broughton Street, Broughton Road, and McDonald Road. Broughton is surrounded by other Edinburgh areas. These include Greenside, the New Town, Canonmills, and Pilrig.
Broughton Street
Broughton Street is the main street in Broughton. It's famous for its many unique shops. You can find all sorts of interesting things there.
Did you know that Edinburgh's first traffic lights were put on Broughton Street? That was back in 1928. A Scottish folk band called Silly Wizard used to live in a flat on Broughton Street.
One of Edinburgh's biggest health food stores, Real Foods, has been on Broughton Street for over forty years. It opened in 1976. The shop sells natural and organic items. All their products are either vegetarian or vegan.
There's also a local newspaper called The Broughton Spurtle. It's a free newspaper for Broughton and nearby areas. It started in 1994 and reports on local news. This includes politics, planning, and interesting stories.
Gayfield House
Gayfield House is a very old and important building. It's located at 18 East London Street. Builders Charles and William Butler built it between 1761 and 1764. It was designed as a fancy country house. It was close enough to walk to Edinburgh's busy Old Town.
Over the years, the house changed hands many times. Important people like Thomas Erskine, Lord Erskine and the David Leslie, 6th Earl of Leven lived there. In the late 1700s, Gayfield House was surrounded by fields and orchards.
As Edinburgh grew, the house became less attractive as a private home. In 1873, it became Edinburgh's New Veterinary College. After that, it was used for many different things. It was a laundry, a garage, and even stored manure! By 1990, it was in bad shape. But a roofer named Trevor Harding bought it in 1991. He worked hard to fix it up and sold it in 2013.
Gayfield Square
On Gayfield Square, you'll find the Gayfield Square Police station. This police station is famous because it's featured in the "Inspector Rebus" detective stories. These popular books were written by the Edinburgh author Ian Rankin.
Schools in Broughton
Broughton High School used to be in Broughton. But now it's located further west in Comely Bank. A famous Scottish poet named Hugh MacDiarmid went to Broughton High School.
Other schools still in Broughton include Drummond Community High School. There's also Broughton Primary School and St Marys RC Primary School.
Churches in Broughton
Broughton has some beautiful and historic church buildings.
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Inside the Mansfield Place Church (1893)
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St Paul's and St George's (1818)
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St Mary's Free Church (1860, now gone)
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One notable building is the former Catholic Apostolic Church. It was built between 1893 and 1901. Today, it's called the Mansfield Traquair Centre. It's famous for its amazing interior. The walls are covered with beautiful murals by an Irish artist named Phoebe Anna Traquair.
At the top of Broughton Street, you'll see the large Gothic Revival St Paul's and St George's Church. It was built from 1816 to 1818. Its design looks like King's College Chapel, Cambridge.
There was also St Mary's Free Church. This fancy Gothic building was built in 1859-60. Sadly, it was taken down in 1985 to make way for a new office building.
Getting Around Broughton
Broughton is easy to get to by public transport.
Buses
Lothian Buses
- 8 (Bellevue /Broughton Street)
- 7, 11, 14, 16, 25, 49 (Elm Row)
- 10, 11 (York Place)
Trams
The closest tram stops are Picardy Place at the top of Broughton Street. You can also find a stop at McDonald Road on Leith Walk.
