The Cold Hand of Charity
Tales from the Edinburgh City Poorhouse

Here is a summary of Edinburgh City Poorhouse records held at the Edinburgh City Archives.

Note that most personal records of admissions into the Poorhouse no longer exist and are believed destroyed.

Plans 1874

Rules and Regulations 1859-1922

Records of Officials 1912-1948

Financial Records 1870-1937

Newspaper cuttings 1864-1879

Admissions 1937-1939

Deaths 1959-1963

Visitors Report Book 1926-1929

Supplies to the Poor 1931-1935

Under reference GB 0236 SL 15/17, 8, 14 there are:

a collection of photographs, plus records of the Edinburgh Parochial Board and Parish Council

History

Craiglockhart Poorhouse and Hospital opened in 1870 to replace the 1743 Charity Workhouse at Bristo Port. Administration initially was by the Edinburgh Parochial Board, later passing to Edinburgh City Council in 1894. Following the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1929, the hospital became a home for the elderly under City administration. From 1941-1947 it became part of the Emergency Hospital Service, before reverting to its earlier role as a home for the elderly. In 1948 control passed to the National Health Service. Latterly it was known as the Greenlea Old People's Home. After closure, the site was redeveloped for housing in the late 1980s.