Anyone fortunate to visit, or even better live in, the city of Edinburgh, will be familiar with the division of the capital into the Old Town and the New Town. The Old Town predates the Medieval period and was cramped and unsanitary, due to the defensive wall that encompassed the massive metropolis. The New Town was constructed as an answer to the overcrowding and squalid dwellings, but was made available to only those who could afford to move into these luxurious accommodations, (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/charlotte-square).
Adding to this housing dilemma, was the social class distinction of the well-to-do not wanting to share their newfound prosperous digs of the New Town with that of the riffraff of the Old Town. This included the working class, predominately made up of the tradespeople that were building these opulent residences. Enter the Edinburgh Co-operative Building Company (ECBC). The ECBC was founded in the mid- 1800’s after a industrial dispute, and was primarily a collective of craftspersons and artisans.
The ECBC offered an investment scheme that allowed persons to become shareholders in the collective in exchange for a chance to purchase property. This financial strategy was so successful, that several of these housing estates, or colonies, started appearing throughout the city. One of the first was to be constructed on the banks of the Water of Leith, near the village of Stockbridge.
The Stockbridge Colonies, (as they are known) have a few interesting features that set them apart from the others. The streets, (Bell, Kemp, Collins, Colville, Rintoul, among others) are named after individuals who were instrumental in forming the ECBC. On the facades that face out onto Glenogle Road are emblems of various trades, (carter, decorator, joiner, metal smith, plasterer, plumber and slater). A plaque can also be found denoting the work and achievements of the ECBC.
Today, the Stockbridge Colonies, along with the others, are highly sought after pieces of real estate. Their price tags garner much heftier values than their initial £1.00 investment and £100.00 to £ 200.00 purchase price. This change in monetary market price doesn’t seem to alter or impact the collective spirt of the community. Events are held throughout the year, to show that their is still a cooperative spirit within the place.
Know Before You Go
Please be aware that these are private residences by, showing respect and courtesy. Be sure to visit the website for events that may be taking place. At the end of Glenogle Place one can join up with the Water of Leith, which will lead one to the Botanical Gardens, (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/royal-botanic-gardens-edinburgh).
Glenogle Road is quite narrow, it can also be very active with car traffic. Use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
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