History of Leith, Edinburgh

Humbert, by divine mercy humble abbot, and the [definitiors?] of the general chapter, of the Augustlnian monastery of saint Anthony, under the direct authority of the Roman church, of the diocese of Vienne, and also the preceptors, priors, brothers and religious, holding and celebrating the aforesaid general chapter, send greetings in the Lord and the spirit of understanding and counsel to all religious brothers and canons of our order: (more…)

Source-Town Plan of Edinburgh (south east part) Surveyed: 1849-53 nls

The final part of Peterina’s ‘Memory Lane’ and other memories of the Kirkgate and Leith, has been held over till next month – when we will hear about Jackie the barber, and some sad moments from Leith’s history.

If you have any memories of Old Leith that you would like to share, please speak to George on 467 7789 – you never know, they might appear here in a future edition of Church News

source-St Thomas-Junction Road Church

The Knights Templar, a military order of the Roman Catholic Church, are back in the news again, almost 700 years after they were suppressed by papal edict.

They were originally formed to protect Christians in the Holy Land during the early Crusades. for more click here

When I wrote “Leith and the Holy Grail” I didn’t realise I would cause so much controversy. However please see some of the sources that I used below.

Templar Ship Crest
St. Mary’s Church, Fortingall (does it look Familiar?)
acknowledged-Ani Williams (c)

The point is there is no doubt according to historic records that the Knights of St John came to Leith in 1327. That part of the Order were The Hospitaller Sisters of St. John of Jerusalem, and they were based orginally at the hospital of St. Mary Magdalen, Jerusalem, and they probaly came into Leith at the same time bringing the image of Mary Magalene which would have been what is called the “Black Madonna”. This is compounded by the fact that Leith traded with Northern Europe and France during the same period and that the images of Mary Magdalene in France and Europe are shown as Black Madonnas and in every one she is holding a child. These can be seen by clicking onto the relevant links below.

It is also a fact that Leith was Church Property during the Middle Ages and the representation of Mary Magdalene was used to show what property was owned by the church and this in time came to represent Leith.

In fact what we have on the Coat of Arms of Leith is a form of Black Madonna. That is the possible reason why the Coat of Arms of Leith weren’t changed at the Reformation for the simple fact it didn’t represent the Virgin Mary at all but St Mary Magdalene

John Arthur

For Images of the “Black Madonna” click here

“Like pearls from an ancient lover’s gift, Magdalene sites and legends lie cast across a vast expanse, reaching from Ethiopia, Palestine, Egypt, France and north to the highlands and isles of Scotland. Crumbling chapel ruins, great Gothic cathedrals, caves, symbols carved in stone, and stories of her coming and going remain like fragments of an old story necklace, waiting and waiting and still waiting to be found.”for more click here (more…)

THE ABSOLUTION OF POPE CLEMENT V OF THE LEADING MEMBERS OF THE TEMPLAR ORDER
Chinon, Diocese of Tours, 1308 August 17th-20th. for more click here

Although better known for his discovery of Logarithms. What is less well known is that he tried to help Sir Robert Logan of Restalrig to discovery Templar treasure at Fast Castle because apart from being a brilliant Mathematician he also dabbled in the black arts.

John Napier of Merchiston. His Tower House still exists and is incorporated into the Napier University Building now at Merchiston Edinburgh.

Source-Monasticon

From “The South Leith Records”

(note-This entry mentions the Cable Wynd “Meeting House”