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Report

Knights began the evening in the pleasant surroundings of the Merlin bar, a well-established drinking and eating hole in central Morningside. Four Knights, Dez (Manor organiser), Dave, Martin and Colin were all present when we set off for the evening, shortly before 8:30pm. Outside the Merlin, Dez first thanked those Knights who had turned up for the evening and before getting underway a Cape photo opportunity beckoned. Dez then pointed out a lozenge shaped mark on the wall of a Morningside tenement building which was a lasting mark from the brackets used in supporting Edinburgh’s first tram network! From here Knights wandered up Morningside Road to Cuddy Lane where Dez explained the name 'cuddy' was thought to have come from when horses were tethered here, either prior to a trip to the blacksmiths or to wait until school kids were ready to go home via horseback. Dez then pointed out the old school house and dates when it was active: 1823 to 1892. It was then referred to as 'Cuddy School' as many of the young scholars arrived and left on horseback. Knights continued travelling in the direction of the city for a few yards more until they reached a stone which was embedded in the wall in Morningside Road. This was to notify travellers that it was one mile until they reached Tollcross. As Knights’ palettes were in need of a refresh, the next part of the journey was downhill towards the Canny Mans watering hole. On route Knights ventured off the main Morningside Road in search of some ecclesiastical stones which were set into a wall and believed to have been crafted by a sculptor who resided there. Thanks go to Colin who knew of the exact location of the stones and by doing so Knights also stumbled on a bizarre O.K. Coral western themed film set. Heading back towards the Canny Mans, Dez recounted some history which included the opening of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in 1813, founded by Andrew Duncan. Interestingly enough, Mr Duncan had campaigned for more humane treatment for patients after seeing his friend and the Cape’s own Sir Percentor suffer in the old Edinburgh bedlam. Another Cape-connection was also mentioned where Morningside House once stood, on the site that is now Marks and Sparks: it is reported that one of its owners discovered another Cape Club member, Henry Raeburn. Dez told knights of a plaza ballroom (and more recently a garage recalled by Colin) once stood on the site now occupied by Waitrose. Opposite this site, Dez pointed out the local library which opened in 1904. Prior to the library, the site was once occupied by Denholms Smiddy: the heart of Morningside village in the 19th century. Dez explained that on the other side of the road from the library stood Falcon Hall, originally named Morningside Lodge and built in 1780. It was bought by Alexander Falconer in 1814 and renamed Falcon Hall and associated, no doubt, to the naming of Falcon Avenue and Falcon Road West which lead off from Morningside Road. Dez reported that when demolished in 1909 the facade of the hall was re-sited and became the front of the map makers and printers Bartholomew’s in Duncan Street. Edinburgh zoo also gained two stone falcons from the demolition. These now stand at the entrance to the zoo. On reaching the Canny Mans pub, Dez quickly told knights of Steels Place were a small factory was owned by Dr Thomas Steel. The factory made the magnesia component of an infamous medicine of the time called Gregory's mixture. By this time Knights were rewarded with the luxurious surroundings offered by the Canny Mans, previously named Volunteer Arms. It was so named after a band of volunteers (put together as a defence against the possibility of a French invasion) who frequented the hostelry after rifle practice for refreshments. Its name was then changed, simply because the owner would say 'ca canny man' meaning, 'take care on the way home'. Four Knights at this point became five and one guest courtesy of Steve. Dave amused himself by enquiring for a whiskey known as a Miltonduff to which the barman quietly but effectively went in pursuit of and came up trumps having scoured over the many bottles behind the well-stocked bar. It must have been worth it for the price! Knights coincidentally enough sat underneath a picture painted by the famous landscape painter Sam Bough who lived between 1822 and 1879. Dez was pleased to note the painting and that the painter himself was recorded as having lived in Jordan Lane which runs just outside the Canny Mans lounge entrance. On departure from the Canny Mans, Dez explained to the assembled company that the biblical references to names around Morningside were thought to come from travelling gypsies as far afield as Egypt and who are thought to have established 'Egypt farm' which was thought to exist in Morningside around the 1500's. Having been adequately refreshed, Knights proceeded onto wee Bennetts for a night cap and more natter about old Morningside.

Steve and guest, Paul, arrived in the Canny Man's in time to enjoy a pint and a lovely 18 year old Miltonduff whisky before everyone headed in the direction of (wee) Bennets Bar. On the way, Derran enlightened Knights and guest with an explanation of why so many Morningside street names have a biblical flavour. He also pointed out some of the older cottages which dot the area and showed Knights the rough boundary line at which buildings and Edinburgh used to come to an end. We made it past Jordan Lane but not quite as far as Jordan Burn before heading in to Bennets where the tour ended and thanks were offered to Derran for his organisation and delivery of fine history. After a further fine beer or two, most Knights then took advantage of the number 11 bus to assist in thier respective journey's home: another lightly populated but enjoyable Manor. Thanks to all who attended.

(The first half of this report was kindly penned by Dez while regular recorder, Steve arrived well after 9pm when most of the Manor had passed.)
(The content of the Manor, Derran heavily borrowed from Fiona Brownlee under the aegis of the Morningside Heritage Association, so thanks to Fiona for some sterling work.)