Poor House Entrance - Grassmarket
by Yvonne Johnstone
Title
Poor House Entrance - Grassmarket
Artist
Yvonne Johnstone
Medium
Photograph - Digitally Enhanced Photograph
Description
The Castle Lodging House building at 75 Grassmarket still stands and is B-listed with Historic Scotland.
It is an imposing four-storey building with Scots Baronial details and gives an appearance that belies its original purpose.
It was erected in 1875, (architects-David MacGibbon and Thomas Ross), as a lodging house for the poor who were accommodated in small rooms with external balconies and each floor was provided with one toilet.
It was subject to significant alteration in 1889 by architect James Jerdan (1839-1913).
The internal alterations undertaken at this time entailed removal of the small rooms, strengthening of the floors, and provision of sleeping accommodation in dormitories.
A mock 17th century baronial door frame was added with the Christison coat of arms.
The Latin motif ‘vitam dirigat’ in the lintel, meaning ‘He directs life’.
The initials ‘A.C.’ for Sir Alexander Christison MD IMS, 2nd baronet of Moray Place(1828-1918), part of the Edinburgh Christison medical dynasty.
He was one of the first doctors to write on the medical benefits of cannabis. He spent most of his working life in India and was surgeon-general in the Indian Medical Service.
On return to Scotland he made major advances in achieving medical training for women.
Uploaded
July 5th, 2021
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