Description

1835. Large square-plan wellhead of ashlar construction. Substantial plinth supported by leveling step; water outlet to N (now blocked). Main body tapering slightly with moulded panels to each face; surmounted by shallow pyramid cap with moulded cornice.

Statement of Interest

This wellhead is a good and rare example of its type, prominently situated in a key location at the corner George IV Bridge and the Lawnmarket. Built in 1835, it probably replaced a cistern removed during the construction of the George IV Bridge circa 1675. The cistern provided water from Comiston Springs via the Castehill Reservoir for public use. Its value to the 19th century inhabitants of the Old Town in terms of improved sanitation and general amenity was critical. A further wellhead of a similar date survives at Queensbury House at the other end of the Royal Mile (see separate listing). The wellheads of the High Street perfomed an important social meeting place where long queues would form. They fell into disuse in the 19th century when supplies to individual houses became widespread.

List description updated at resurvey (2007/08).

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17791236

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

• 
  Yorkshire West Riding: Sheffield and the South (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Warwickshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Department for Communities Listed Historic Buildings of Northern Ireland: Information Guide for the 2nd Survey of Historic Buildings
• 
  England's Post-War Listed Buildings
• 
  Cornwall (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Essex: Buildings of England Series (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)