Gable end Window Stockbridge Colonies

The Colies properties were built in the latter 19th Century to ease the crowding in the Edinburgh that had resulted in numerous outbreaks of cholera, and improve the living accommodation for the working classes. Stockbridge Colonies have a small 1 bedroom flat on the ground floor, and a larger 2 floor house built on top with 2 bedrooms accessed by an external stair. Each property had an indoor toilet, novel for the time as earlier colonies had external toilets. There was also a small garden for each property.

The window here shows the trades' plaques placed above windows on the gable ends of each row of colonies properties. Obviously they represent the fact the properties were built for the working classes, so not only an important architectural feature, but a historic one as well.

Oh, the cost of a colonies property here was £100 or £130 to buy, and could be secured with a £5 deposit. The annual payment was £13 over 14 years. Good value considering a tenement flat cost £11 per annum to rent.

Other advantages? Basic provisions which were provided included a kitchen range for cooking and heating water, a sink and tub with space for a mangle, gas lighting, fireplaces in most rooms, water and sewage disposal, and a water tank in the roof. Luxury.