Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

The High Street Wellhead

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 23, 2018

1. The High Street Wellhead Marker

Inscription. The High Street Wellhead The original wellhead or cistern in this position, probably of around 1675, had a chequered history. It was seriously damaged by a horse-drawn fire engine in January 1897 and rebuilt.

The cisterns provided water from Comiston Springs via the Castlehill Reservoir for the inhabitants of the Old Town. They became important meeting places where long queues formed. They fell into disuse in the 19th century when supplies to individual houses became possible.

The wellhead was rebuilt again and restored to use with basins and running drinking water by the Edinburgh Old Town Renewal Trust and Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Limited in 1997.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1897.

Location. 55° 56.992′ N, 3° 11.355′ W. Marker is in Edinburgh, Scotland. Marker is on Royal Mile close to Old Assembly Close, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1QS, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Adam Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); James Braidwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexander & Bucephalus (within shouting distance of this marker); The City Chambers

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Lodging of Sir Simon Preston (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Spire of this Church (about 90 meters away); Edinburgh Municipal Building (about 120 meters away); Advocate's Close (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edinburgh.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 23, 2018

2. The High Street Wellhead Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 299 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 2, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.