The Forgotten Street Behind a Hidden Library Door
Deep within the lower floors of the National Library of Scotland, there lies a forgotten street that offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s past. Libberton’s Wynd, located in the heart of the old city, was demolished in the 1830s to make way for George IV Bridge, but a part of the street still remains.
Exploring The Void
The street can be accessed through a hidden door between the bridge walls and the library building. Known as The Void by library staff, this corridor is not open to the public, but BBC Scotland News was granted a rare glimpse inside. The discovery of this hidden passage dates back to the 1990s when library officials stumbled upon it after breaking down a small hatch on a wall behind filing cabinets.
Inside The Void, arches lead into chambers and rooms that were once used for storage in the bridge. According to Bill Jackson, former director of the library, the chambers contained old rotten furniture, ledgers, shoes, and even a 100-year-old slate urinal, all waterlogged and damaged.
A Glimpse of Old Edinburgh
Robbie Mitchell, a reference assistant at the library, described The Void as a unique space that offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s past. While not as preserved as Mary Stair’s Close, this hidden street provides valuable insight into the city’s history.
The street was bustling with merchants, barbers, shoemakers, grocers, and various other tradespeople, making it a vibrant and busy area in centuries past.
Connecting the Past to the Present
George IV Bridge, which now stands on the site where Libberton’s Wynd once existed, was built to connect the Royal Mile to the south side of the city. The bridge had chambers built into its arches for storage, and remnants of the street’s foundations can still be seen in The Void.
Today, some of the chambers in The Void are used to store water tanks for the library’s sprinkler system, showcasing the intersection of history and modern technology.
Conclusion
The hidden street behind the library door offers a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s past, providing a tangible connection to the city’s rich history. Exploring The Void is like stepping back in time, where the echoes of merchants and craftsmen still linger in the air.
FAQs
What is The Void behind the hidden library door?
The Void is a forgotten street located deep within the National Library of Scotland, offering a glimpse into Edinburgh’s past.
How was The Void discovered?
Library officials stumbled upon The Void in the 1990s when they broke down a small hatch on a wall behind filing cabinets and crawled through it.
What can be found in The Void?
The corridor contains arches leading into chambers and rooms that were once used for storage in the bridge, showcasing remnants of Edinburgh’s old city.