Standing Building Recording

Date 19 October 2006 - 16 July 2007

Event ID 557500

Category Recording

Type Standing Building Recording

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/557500

NT 2609 7342 The Infirmary Street baths were designed by City Architect Robert Morham and built between 1885 and 1887. A programme of archaeological work was undertaken between 19 October 2006-16 July 2007. The original baths incorporated three main buildings; the main men's pool, the ladies pool to the N and a boiler room to the NE, all combined in a large Italianate block. The site slopes from S to N, sitting on a terrace between Drummond Street and Infirmary Street. It was formerly occupied by Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, designed by William Adam and completed in 1741. After this building was demolished in 1884, and Bryce's Royal Infirmary Street built in Lauriston, three new public buildings were rapidly built; the baths, the South Bridge Primary built in 1885 (to the W) and the Drummond Infants School in 1905 (to the S). No evidence was

found of earlier archaeological deposits or fragments of earlier buildings. The baths retain a good deal of early detailing and the original drawings show the decorative scheme. Particularly interesting features included the original stiles, the filters in the basement and the construction details, as well as the division of space between the sexes.

Archive to be deposited with RCAHMS. Report deposited with Edinburgh SMR and RCAHMS.

Funder: Malcolm Fraser Architects.