25th March - 31st March in Victorian Edinburgh

27th March 1881  

New Premises for the Medical School - The Edinburgh University Medical School, at the forefront of many medical advances in this era, underwent continued expansion during the 19^th century.  On this date it was reported that new premises at Nicholson Square had been purchased to accommodate the expanding School of Medicine and Pharmacy, previously situated in Marshall Street.  The new building provided space for classes in clinical surgery, public medicine and the emerging specialism of midwifery, a branch of medicine which had attracted a high patient mortality rate in this time.

 

29th March 1881

Five Years for Stealing a Duck – A young boy who stole a duck from a potato merchant, ended up with more than he bargained for on this date.  Having been found guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, the ten year old was sentenced not only to ten days in Calton prison, but also to a further five years in the Reformatory, which was the institution used for the correction of youth offenders.

30th March 1856

The End of the Crimean War - The Treaty of Peace was signed in Paris, signifying the end of the Crimean War.  It was reported that ‘much excitement prevailed in town on the news of the signature’, with crowds assembling in the High Street and Princes Street for a salute of 101 guns fired from the Castle.  Throughout the day, bells were ringing and a holiday atmosphere was experienced throughout the city.

31st March 1868

The Industrial Museum of Edinburgh - The Government was urged to proceed with the completion of the Industrial Museum in Edinburgh.  Construction had commenced several years previously, with the various parts of the building opening to the public as soon as they were ready.  The museum had proved incredibly popular at the time, and has remained so, now known as the National Museum of Scotland, situated in Chambers Street.