“Did you know this building was once thought to be made of wood?” That’s Dr Bell’s School. It stands on Great Junction Street in Leith. Let’s unravel its story.
Dr Bell’s School is more than just a building. It’s a testament to Scottish education. Its history is linked to a man named Dr Andrew Bell.
Andrew Bell was born in St Andrews in 1753. He went to America and then India. He became an army chaplain in India. He also oversaw the education of the military asylum. He developed a system using older students to teach younger ones. This was the Monitorial system. It paved the way for pupil teachers.
Bell believed his method could be used everywhere. He returned to England in 1797. He shared his ideas in a pamphlet. Bell died in 1832. He left his wealth to educational causes.
Dr Bell’s School was built in 1835. This was two years after his death. The school became a primary school in 1892. Leith School Board took it over.
Now, the building houses Dr Bell’s Family Centre. You’ll also find Stanwell Nursery and private flats here. It’s a building that has changed over time.
Look closely at the building’s facade. Some people once thought Dr Bell’s School was built of wood blocks. They believed the dark stone appearance was just weathered wood. But it is actually made of sandstone. Sandstone is a typical Edinburgh building material. It can sometimes look like it has wood-like grain.
Notice the architectural details. The front was rebuilt in 1891 by George Craig. He also added the swimming baths in 1896. The building has a T-plan. The facade features cream sandstone. Look for the statue of Rev Dr Andrew Bell. It sits in an elaborately sculpted niche. Panels tell the school’s history.
The Madras system of education was developed to counter the shortage of teachers. Older students supervised younger ones. Dr Bell’s School stands as a monument to his educational legacy. It was reconstructed as Great Junction Street Public School in 1892. The swimming baths are number 14. The school is number 15. The nursery school is number 15A.
So, Dr Bell’s School has evolved from a school to a family center. It stands as a reminder of educational innovation. It has changed with the times while retaining its historical charm. Take a moment to appreciate the history held within these walls. The story of Dr Bell’s School is one of learning. It is also a story of community and change.