Corporation Buildings, Gile Street, Leith

[Mundell]

My Grandmother, Alice Marsden, was widowed and lived with her 6 children at 'Corporation Buildings, Giles Street, Leith.  She then remarried and became Alice Mundell, and this is still the address given on that marriage record. This area has since been redeveloped and I have been able to find out very little about it.  There has been a suggestion that it may have been a Poor/Work-House, but I cannot find any references to bear this out.

If anyone has information or even photographs, I would be very grateful.  Mary

[shanghaipanda]

http://www.edinphoto.org.uk/0_street_r/0_street_views_-_sheriff_brae_1982.htm

I think (hope) this link should take you to a photo.  If you end up in google it is the first entry.

[Mundell]

Thank you for the link.  It went straight to it.  What a good picture, but it does look a bit grim.  I think I knew it was a slum area.

If anyone knows any more of the history and usage of these 'Corporation Buildings' I would be pleased to hear about it.

Thanks again.  Mary

[Hibee]

If you can access Facebook, you can get lots of info on these buildings at "Spirit of Leithers"

Hibee

[Mundell]

A good suggestion, and I am surprised that, not being registered with facebook, I have been able to view these pictures. I will need some time to explore them, but what a historic treasure trove.  Thank you.

I would be pleased if anyone can lead me to more information about whether these building were just tenement buildings, or a workhouse. My grandmother often spoke of fear of 'The poor house', but maybe that was because she came too close for comfort.  E.g. are there any rent records etc. that I could explore?  Regards M.

[Hibee]

These were tenement flats rented out by the Corporation, although there was certainly a Poor House or two in Leith.  The buildings were popularly known as The Coppie, as in this tale....

https://www.facebook.com/333309933448600/photos/pb.333309933448600.-2207520000.1414855663./597637487015842/?type=3&theater

[Mundell]

You'll never know how relieved I was to read these comments and tales.  I had thought of my Mum's early life as fraught, but these stories tell of a vibrant community spirit that is heartening. These historic Leith pictures are just great.  Many thanks for your help. Mary

[Peter Graham]

Can you help me to catch up with Mary regarding her Grandmother Alice Mundell and Corporation Buildings Leith.
Regards
Peter Graham

[Peter Graham]

Mary,
I came across this post when I was looking for pics of Corporation buildings.
My Grandmother was the Alice Marsden/Mundell and would like to share my story with you.
Regards
Peter Graham