Engraving from 'Old and New Edinburgh'

Trinity College Church

Low Calton

Trinity College church was in Low Calton, until it was dismantled to make way for the railway and Waverley Station.

The numbered stones from the church were left for many years on Calton Hill. The church was later partially rebuilt in Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The Apse is now used as Edinburgh's brass rubbing centre.

The Governor's House

The castellated building on the rocky hill behind the church was the home of the Governor of Calton Jail. This building is still standing today. Here is a photograph of it taken in 2004:

The Engraving

Thank you to Fred Anderson, Wardie, Edinburgh, for sending me another copy of the Trinity College Church engraving. The colours of the two engravings are very similar, except for some of the clothing.

Fred writes:

Date of the Engraving

"What is the date of the engraving? I suppose, is somewhere between 1816 and 1848. I think you can just discern the top of 'Scotland's Folly' (the National Monument) behind and to the right of the Nelson Monument - if so, then it must have been after 1822."

Trinity Church and Hospital

"The building to the right of the Church is the old Trinity Hospital.

Here are some comments from Lord Cockburn following a visit that he made to the hospital."

Removal of the Church and Hospital

"In a short time, the place shall know it no more! But the public will be gratified by a railway station.

Trinity College Church, too - the last and finest Gothic fragment in Edinburgh, though implored for by about four centuries, will disappear for the accommodation of a railway! An outrage by sordid traders, virtually consented to by a tasteless city, and sanctioned by an insensible parliament. ... ..."

- Lord Cockburn

The Cockburn Association was founded in 1875 to continue Lord Cockburn's work in protecting and enhancing the beauty of Edinburgh. The society is still carrying out this work today. - Peter Stubbs