“More impressive than many of my own palaces.” Queen Victoria reportedly said that after seeing Donaldson’s College.
Here we are at Donaldson’s College. It is an architectural marvel with a rich history. This building stands as a testament to Edinburgh’s commitment to education and care.
Donaldson’s College began with a vision. Sir James Donaldson wanted to help children. He was once the publisher of the Edinburgh Advertiser. Donaldson left his fortune to construct a hospital. It was for vulnerable children.
William Henry Playfair designed Donaldson’s College in the 1840s. He used the Jacobethan style. Playfair also designed the National Monument. He designed the National Gallery of Scotland too. The building features a Tudor-style quadrangle. Large corner towers adorn it. Each tower has four smaller towers.
Donaldson’s College opened in 1854. Initially it was a hospital for destitute children. In 1856, the governors decided to include deaf children. Donaldson’s College then became a specialist school. It primarily served deaf children. Hearing children were also accepted. These pupils often became teachers. They became interpreters for the deaf.
Interestingly, Donaldson’s College has changed its purpose only once. During World War II it became a prisoner of war camp. It housed German and Italian prisoners.
For over 150 years, Donaldson’s College served its purpose here. However, the building became outdated. It lacked modern facilities. Maintaining the building became too expensive. In 2003, the building was sold for £22 million.
In 2008, Donaldson’s College moved to a new campus in Linlithgow. This new site has modern facilities. It provides better access for students across Scotland. The Linlithgow campus includes a gym and a swimming pool. It also has specialized classrooms.
Today, Donaldson’s College in Edinburgh is being redeveloped. It will become luxury residential apartments. Developers plan to preserve its historical character.
Donaldson’s College stands as a reminder of Edinburgh’s past. It represents education, care, and architectural grandeur. Its legacy lives on in Linlithgow. The original building remains a landmark. It will continue to inspire for generations.