Description

Symmetrical, two-storey, six-bay residential building of 1809–14, comprising Nos 49-53 Constitution Street and the façade of the single storey, two-bay linking block at No 45, all formerly part of the Leith Exchange Buildings and Assembly Rooms (see separate listing LB27417).

Nos 49-53 is constructed of stugged sandstone ashlar with polished dressings in the classical style. It has regular fenestration to the four centre bays, flanked by slightly advanced bays with fluted pilastered and corniced doorways with Greek key patterned frieze, panelled doors and diamond-pattern fanlights. The outer bay to the left has a vehicular pend at ground floor (with later flat lintel insert) while the outer bay to the right has a segmental-arch recess with a tripartite window. The ground floor windows have recessed aprons. There is a band course above ground floor, an eaves cornice and a blocking course. The building has timber sash and case windows with plate glass glazing. The piended roof has a covering of grey slate with metal flashings and one ridge chimney stack. The rear elevation has a later render. The interior has not been seen.

The façade of the single storey, two-bay linking block to the left has two timber panel doorways (one with access to No 45 Constitution Street). It has blind rectangular recesses above each door, and a simple continuous cornice.

Historical Development

An existing assembly hall of 1783 was altered to form the palatial Leith Exchange Buildings at 37-43 Constitution Street in 1809-14. An 1809 plan of the Leith Exchange Buildings and Assembly Rooms by Thomas Brown shows the site of the adjoining offices and lodgings, now Nos 45-53 (Canmore ID: SC 617546). The Exchange Buildings and associated offices were completed by 1814. The buildings are depicted as a single complex on Kirkwood & Son's map of 1817 (National Library of Scotland (NLS) Digital Maps).

From 1866 until at least 1892 the Edinburgh postmaster, undertaker and coachbuilder John Croall and Sons occupied the office at No 45 and stables to the rear (Insurance Plan of Leith, 1892, NLS).

The first decades of the 19th century witnessed a period of major civic building in Leith, reflecting its growing commercial wealth and status. Several of Leith's finest buildings date from this period including Customs House, Trinity House and the Exchange Buildings/Assembly Rooms. The Exchange Buildings became a focus for commercial activity at the Port of Leith throughout the 19^th century, comprising large sale rooms for goods arriving by sea, a library reading room, ballrooms on two levels, and offices and lodgings at Nos 45-53 Constitution Street.

The Leith Exchange Buildings occupy a prominent and strategic position near the former entrance to the Albert Dock at the Port of Leith. They are part of a group of key civic buildings in Leith including the former Corn Exchange (LB27140) at 29-35 Constitution Street, which relate to a major period of commercial and maritime development during the 19^th century.

Legal exclusions

In accordance with Section 1 (4A) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 the following are excluded from the listing: 47/1-6 and additions behind façade at 45 Constitution Street.

The later 20^th century infill building behind the façade at No 45, and the six flats at No 47/1-6 Constitution Street (to the rear of Nos 49-53) are not of special interest in listing terms and are excluded from the listing.

Statement of Interest

The Leith Exchange Buildings became a focus for commercial activity at the Port of Leith throughout the 19^th century. The early 19^th century Exchange Buildings complex included the offices and lodgings at Nos 45-53 Constitution Street. The façade wall of the linking block at No 45 is an integral part of the complex and retains its single-storey character.

The first decades of the 19th century saw a period of major civic, commercial and maritime development in Leith. The Leith Exchange Buildings occupy a prominent and strategic position near the former entrance to the Albert Dock at the Port of Leith.

An existing assembly hall of 1783 was altered to form the palatial Leith Exchange Building and Assembly Halls at 37-43 Constitution Street (see separate listing). An 1809 plan by Thomas Brown (Canmore ID: SC 617546) includes the site of the adjoining offices and lodgings, now Nos 45-53 Constitution Street. The Exchange Buildings including the associated offices were completed by 1814. The buildings are depicted as a single complex on Robert Kirkwood's 1817 plan of Edinburgh and its environs.

In accordance with Section 1 (4A) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 the following are excluded from the listing: 47/1-6 and additions behind façade at 45 Constitution Street.

Statutory address and listed building record revised in 2022. Previously listed as '45-53 (Odd Nos) Constitution Street'.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17808636

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

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  Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire, and Peterborough (Pevsner Architectural Guides): Written by Charles O'Brien, 2014 Edition, Publisher: Yale University Press [Hardcover]
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