Perhaps the name Shandon stirs images of a place far removed. Shandon in Edinburgh is an area steeped in history. It lies approximately three miles west of the city center.
Shandon’s name likely comes from Shandon on the Gareloch near Helensburgh. Robert Napier, the marine engineer, built a mansion there in 1851. Interestingly, there seems to be no direct link to the Napier family of Merchiston. This might have caused a mistake in naming the streets.
Now, let’s step into the Shandon Conservation Area. Established in 1996, it has two distinct parts. To the south lies the Shaftesbury Park colonies. These were built between 1883 and 1904. To the north is the smaller Shandon housing development. This was built slightly earlier between 1880 and 1883.
Originally, this land was open farmland. Shandon Crescent, Place, Road, Terrace, and Street emerged as larger terraced dwellings. A few detached villas also appeared. This development aimed to house lower middle-class families.
In 1883, the Edinburgh Co-Operative Building Company bought a 10-acre site. It was south of the former Caledonian Railway. This area was once part of George Watson’s Hospital and known as Shaftesbury Park. The ECBC then built 330 houses there between 1883 and 1904. Like Shandon, Shaftesbury Park targeted lower-middle-class families.
Scottish housing reformers wanted an alternative to tenements in the mid-19th century. They sought a working-class housing pattern that gave each family a front door and garden. Edinburgh pioneered artisan housing with Patrick Wilson’s scheme. It was for the Pilrig Model Dwelling Company. This marked the first colony-type development in Edinburgh. James Gowans’ Rosebank Cottages followed in 1857. They were modeled after the Pilrig System.
The Rosebank Cottages influenced several colony developments by the Edinburgh Co-operative Building Company. Formed in 1861, the ECBC aimed to improve working-class living standards. It provided affordable housing and access to mortgage finance. At Shaftesbury Park, the focus shifted from artisans to the lower middle class.
Imagine a buzz of excitement in 1890. Shandon hosted the International Industrial Exhibition. It showcased progress in electrical science. The exhibition took place on land between the Caledonian main line and the Union Canal. Special temporary stations were opened by both the Caley and the North British railway. Large crowds flocked to see the exhibits.
The main building was enormous at 700 ft long and 250 ft wide. Inside, nine courts displayed mechanical science and fine arts. A concert hall seated 3,000 people. Electrically powered boats carried visitors along the Union Canal.
As we conclude our walk through Shandon, remember its evolution. From farmland to a vision of modern living for lower-middle-class families, Shandon has a unique story etched into its very streets.