The North Bridge

The North Bridge

Both the  photographs above were taken by JCH Balmain

Photo 1  -  Elephant Parade  -  c.1900

The first photograph above, by JCH Balmain, shows an elephant parade crossing the new North Bridge.  This view looks towards the East End of Princes Street.  The foundation stone for the bridge was laid in 1896.  In the centre of the picture the North British Hotel, which opened in 1902 is under construction.

Photo 2  -  The Duke of Wellington  -  1885

The second photograph above, also by JCH Balmain, shows a view looking to the south across the old, narrower North Bridge from beside the bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington outside Register House at the East End of Princes Street.

On the top floor of the buildings at the left side of the street are the studios of Lawrie & Mitchell, who were based at 25 North Bridge from 1864 until 1894.

The board to the right ot Wellington's head is an advert for Cumming Brothers, photographers, who were based at 63 North Bridge from 1882 until 1885.