Edinburgh’s Colonies

Few cities can boast housing with the distinctiveness and charm of ’the Colonies’ of Edinburgh. After a dispute in 1861 a group of building workers formed the Edinburgh Co-operative Building Company. They bought some land on the fringe of the city, contributed their own labour, and built the ‘colony’ houses at Stockbridge.

There were innovations – a limited liability company formed by workers; working class shareholders, including women; and mortgages for owner-occupiers. The rest is history – 150 years of continuous history. Eventually more than 2,300 houses were built on 13 sites. None has been demolished; few have lain empty.

This 150th anniversary is marked by the publication of Edinburgh’s Colonies: housing the workers’ by Richard Rodger, Professor of Economic & Social History, and University of Edinburgh. This new book reviews the historical background to a remarkable phase in housing history. Based on extensive new research it provides an insight into a wider social history of Edinburgh that resulted in the construction of so many ‘colonies’ scattered around the city.’

Only £11.99 with FREE P&P.