Stockbridge, Edinburgh

Stockbridge is a small region in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Originally an independent village, it became part of Edinburgh as Edinburgh expands. It’s name comes from the construction of a “stock bridge,” namely a wooden bridge designed solely for foot traffic which was built in the center of the village in 1801 across the Water of Lieth, a river passing through Edinburgh.

The Stockbridge crossing the water of Leith at Stockbridge, Edinburgh

The architecture and notable buildings of Stockbridge are largely the work of the painter Henry Raeburn, who owned the estates which adjoined the original village. He contracted much of the construction work throughout the area in the 19th century, brought on the architect James Milne to help him design elegant yet practical buildings which have retained their beauty for over two hundred years.
[image credit contagiousmemes]

Stockbridge: Health, Sport, Cheese & Charity

St. Bernard's Well on the Water of Leith at Stockbridge

Stockbridge is home to St. Bernard’s well, a natural mineral water well which feeds into the Water of Leith. It has been hailed for centuries for it’s purity and curative powers, and during the 18th and 19th centuries it was much visited by nobility and gentry looking for healing and relaxation in the country. Stockbridge is also known for sport, particularly rugby. In fact, the first international rugby championship was held in Stockbridge in 1871. Stockbridge is also home to a number of specialty food shops, most notably several specialty cheese shops. It also has a number of charity shops, which are known for the unusually high quality of their merchandise and the revenue they bring in to their respective charities.

[image credit sindändùne]

Stockbridge Community & Rubber Ducks

Ducks launched from the Stockbridge in the annual Stockbridge duck race

Stockbridge has a close knit and friendly local community which is very open to tourists. They are dedicated to acts of charity and good work, and Stockbridge is home to much of Edinburgh’s charity organizations. The most famous charity event is the Stockbridge Duck Race. In this race, numbered rubber ducks are released into the Water of Lieth, with those which arrive at the finish line first winning large cash prizes for their respective charities. Thousands of ducks are released each year, and families go out to see the ducks and cheer on the ones they sponsor.
[image credit DrZito]