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Canonmills is one of Edinburgh’s famous neighbourhoods. It has an interesting and long history. That’s why, this place attracts even more attention from residents and guests of the city. After all, as you know, people adore everything related to antiquity and history. Such objects keep many secrets, which only warm the interest.
This area was once associated with a lake and numerous attractions. However, the history of Canonmills began not from entertainment facilities, but from a mill.
It has been preserved in its original form till these days. Even though it hasn’t milled grain for a long time, this object still attracts a lot of attention.
Interestingly, the now-famous area of the city was once a place particularly popular among farmers. Some organisations even had a legal obligation to use the full potential of the main facility.
The old mill
The mill has been on the site of the future village of Canonmills since the 12th century. It was run by the canons of Holyrood Abbey. The 1560 Siege of Leith map shows a group of buildings at that place. Three of them were equipped with water wheels.
The mill operated thanks to the waters of the Water of Leith.
The Incorporation of Baxters had a legal duty to grind corn at Canonmills. This was confirmed by a stone tablet, which was discovered during the expansion of the local gas station in 1964. The stone had the inscription, “The Baxters Land 1686“.
The unique building
Of course, the village has not survived in its original form to this day. However, the only building that has survived and become the embodiment of that time is the mill itself. Its old tiled roof recalls long-gone years when farmers and locals ground grain there.
The artificial reservoir
Another interesting spot of the location was the small artificial loch. It was mainly used for curling in the winter months.
However, the loch existed only till the end of the 19th century. Then it was filled in and the site was completely built up.
Numerous entertainments
In addition to the loch, there was another sports arena on the territory of modern Canonmills. This was the George V Park, which occupied the south-eastern part of the old Canon Mill Haugh.
When the lake was finally drained in 1865, its site was used for the construction of The Royal Patent Gymnasium to provide healthy and invigorating outdoor recreation.
As a result, local residents were provided with some attractions that brought a lot of pleasure to both adults and children.
In particular, we are talking about the Great Sea Serpent, which easily accommodated 600 rowers.
There was also the Giant’s Sea-Saw, which lifted 200 people to a height of 50 feet.
Thus, the mill that once functioned here is rightly considered the predecessor of the area that later formed on the site of the former village. It was the centre of local life because grinding grain was vital for farmers.
Even though the mill doesn’t work today, it remains a local attraction, as it has been preserved in its original form. Therefore, it arouses great interest of the local population and visitors to the city. After all, such old objects gave us an opportunity to touch the past and study the history of the region. Such places witnessed some of the most outstanding events and periods.
Obviously, the Edinburgh authorities understand this as well and the entire building of the mill hasn’t been touched by any modernisation and reconstruction. It is a great merit of the officials, who didn’t make any radical changes to the building.
Even the old and well-preserved tiled roof testifies to the former importance and greatness of this object. This place is worthy of great respect and reverence. So, it was the right decision not to destroy a “breadwinner”. After all, it gave locals flour, which later became the basis for the production of various tasty and nutritious products.