Urban Recon

Thanks to some kind people at work, I have started the British Computer Society’s “DigitalCre8or” Award. For a digital stills assignment, I have decided on 3 images that show the changes in Aberdeen. Trite, I know, but what the heck.

I raided Scran for some early photos of Aberdeen City centre. And went out with printouts in my pocket and tried to find where the images were taken from. I’ll head out tomorrow with the dSLR and hope to get better shots.

Scran notes for The Market Cross c.1880:  For many years public whipping, branding and the burning of seditious literature was carried beneath its shadow. In 1842 following numerous complaints about congestion at the west end of the Castlegate, the Market Cross was moved to its present site.

Scran notes: View of Castle Street, Aberdeen (looking east) by George Washington Wilson … A single line of tram rails curving round into King Street dates this view to post-1874. By the end of the 19th century the appearance of the east end of Castle Street had changed completely: James Gordon's former premises had been demolished to make way for the Salvation Army Citadel which still occupies the site today.

Looking down an unassuming back street counting building stories on both sides of the street. The arched openings, and projecting stonework at the end of the building confirm the target. (maplink)

Scran notes: Aberdeen Savings Bank was founded in 1815 and had conducted its business in small offices until 1858,
when this building was opened, on the 1st July, in Exchange Street.

Scran notes of Statue of Albert, Prince Consort at Union Bridge, Aberdeen, c.1880: A lone cabbie waits at the stance under the solemn gaze of Albert, the Prince Consort, whose statue stood at the corner of Union Street and Union Terrace until 1911. After the widening of Union Bridge, the statue was moved to a site at the end of the Terrace while that of King Edward VII was erected at the junction.

Scran notes to Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen showing the Bandstand, c.1880: In 1876, Aberdeen Town Council agreed to turn the wooded bank of Corby Haugh and the bleachgreens beside the railway line into a pleasure ground for the people of Aberdeen. Work began on the laying out of Union Terrace Gardens in 1877 and the park was officially opened the following year.

The more things change, the more some things stay the same. 130-140 years after the original photo was taken, and now covered in snow, an adult and child still play in the Gardens; taxis still ply their trade; people go into shops near the Cross; and the bank … well, it is probably worth more now that it is residential.