Samuel Smiles born in Haddington
Birth of Samuel Smiles, government reformer and author, best remembered for his work, Self-Help (1859). Read more about Samuel Smiles by clicking here.
Victoria Bridge commissioned
The twin steel arched Victoria Bridge was commissioned from civil engineers Belfrage Carfrae, Edinburgh.
Birth of William Gillies
Birth of William Gillies, renowned artist and principal of Edinburgh College of Art. More about William Gillies can be read by clicking here.
Completion of the Knox Memorial Institute (later Knox Academy)
Completion of the Knox Memorial Institute to house the grammar school of Haddington (later Knox Academy).
Corn Exchange was built
The Corn Exchange in Court Street which was built in 1854 as a market hall for the trading of grain. It was recently refurbished in 2020. Link to information about the Corn Exchange in Haddington.
Haddington railway station opens.
Opening of Haddington railway station. Railscot has images and information about the old station and can be linked to here.
The Court Street Fountain was built along with the County Buildings
The Court Street Fountain which is topped with a statue of Samson was built along with the County Buildings. The County Buildings on Court Street stand on the site of the medieval palace of King William I.
Additions made to the Town House
Additions made to the Town House – three cells, a spacious town hall, and a 150-feet spire from designs by Gillespie Graham. Link to wikipedia about Haddington Town House
Waterloo Bridge by the Poldrate Mill is built
Waterloo Bridge by the Poldrate Mill is built and is named after the battle of Waterloo (the foundation stone having been laid on the anniversary of the battle). Link to image of Waterloo Bridge, Haddington