Built in 1815 Starbank House has a fascinating history. It was originally owned by Alexander Goalen. He was the uncle of William Ewart Gladstone the famous Victorian Prime Minister. Imagine the conversations held within those walls. The house wasn’t always a private residence. For many years Starbank House served as the home for the park keeper.
Later Leith Town Council purchased Starbank House and its grounds. They opened the grounds as Starbank Park in 1891. Starbank House even became a museum in 1920. This continued until 1932 when its contents moved to Huntly House Museum. The building then returned to being a home for the park keeper. Today it’s divided into flats. It’s quite a transformation over the years.
Think of the people who lived and worked here. There’s Rev Walter M Goalen. He founded Christ Church near Trinity Road. He inherited the house from his father and lived there until his death in 1889. He left behind a legacy. The park is a testament to that.
Starbank Park itself has stunning features. There’s the remains of a beautiful fountain. The Devlin Fountain was erected in 1910 by a fish merchant. Sadly it was vandalised and dismantled. But the star-shaped flower border remains. It represents a ship’s compass. It’s a charming nod to Edinburgh’s maritime past.
Starbank House isn’t just a building. It’s a living piece of history. It shows how Edinburgh has evolved. The house stands proudly in Starbank Park. It’s a reminder of the people and events that shaped this city. It’s a perfect example of how the past and present can coexist. Don’t just walk past Starbank House. Take a moment to appreciate its story.