West Port, Edinburgh facts for kids
.jpg)
Main Point, the historic junction of the three roads (2nd l. to r.) to Biggar, Glasgow and Stirling
|
|
| Former name(s) | Wester Portsburgh |
|---|---|
| Length | 0.2 mi (0.3 km) |
| Coordinates | 55°56′47″N 3°12′00″W / 55.94639°N 3.20000°W |
| west end | Main Point |
| east end | Grassmarket |
The West Port is a street in Edinburgh's Old Town. It's located just south of Edinburgh Castle. This street connects Main Point to the southwest corner of the Grassmarket.
The name "West Port" comes from the westernmost "port" or gate in the old Flodden Wall. This gate stood at the Grassmarket. It opened into a nearby area called Portsburgh until it was taken down in the 1780s.
Contents
A Journey Through West Port's History
What Was West Port Called Before?
The area around West Port used to be known as Wester Portsburgh. This was the main street in the western part of Portsburgh. Portsburgh was a special type of town called a burgh of barony from 1649 to 1856.
The name West Port first only meant the gate itself. But by 1837, maps started using it for the whole street. Before that, maps from as late as 1831 still called the street Wester Portsburgh.
Sometimes, maps from 1836 even called it Portsburgh. This could be a bit confusing. Portsburgh had an eastern part (Easter Portsburgh) and a western part. Both parts had their own local leaders called baillies.
Exciting Events and Famous Visitors
Many interesting things happened on West Port throughout history:
- In 1633, King Charles I entered Edinburgh through the West Port. This was the year he was crowned King of Scotland.
- In 1650, during a time of expected invasion, some houses near West Port were taken down. This was done so the castle's guns could fire freely at any enemies.
- The famous writer Walter Scott wrote a poem called "Bonnie Dundee". In it, he said Bonnie Dundee left Edinburgh by the West Port. However, historical records suggest he actually left by a different gate, the Netherbow Port.
- The Porteous Riots began with a large crowd gathering in Portsburgh.
- The writer James Hogg mentioned in his book Confessions of a Justified Sinner that he stayed in Portsburgh.
- The "West Port Experiment" was an important project. It was started by Thomas Chalmers to help the local community. A church and school were built on the south side of the street for this purpose.
- A series of sad events known as the West Port murders took place here. They were linked to a lodging house in Tanner's Close, just off the West Port. Today, a building called Argyle House stands on that spot.
West Port Today: Modern Buildings and Life
- Portsburgh Church is currently on a list of buildings that need repair.
- The Vennel, a narrow alley off West Port and the Grassmarket, was featured in a movie. It appeared in the 1969 film 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie'. In the movie, the characters walk through the Old Town and end up in Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Older Buildings Still Standing
The Art Nouveau Salvation Army Women's Hostel is a notable building. It stands at the corner of the Grassmarket, The Vennel, and West Port. Built in 1910, it's considered a historic building. The Edinburgh College of Art later bought and used this hostel, along with the Portsburgh Church next door.
Portsburgh Square, on the north side of West Port, reminds everyone of the area's old name.
Newer Developments in the 21st Century
Argyle House is a large building on the north side of West Port. It was built in 1968. This building has been used for government offices for a long time. Now, it's home to CodeBase, which is Scotland's biggest tech incubator. It also houses offices for the University of Edinburgh and other businesses.
Evolution House is the newest building for the Edinburgh College of Art. It's located on the south-east corner of West Port and Lady Lawson Street.
Westport 102 is another modern building. It was built where the old Post Office headquarters used to be. That old building famously collapsed during demolition in 2007. This caused several roads in the area to be closed for a long time.
