Latest news with #CoDETheCourt
Scotsman
25-04-2025
- Science
- Scotsman
Uncovering our Victorian engineering heritage in the attic
When his men finally dug their way through to Tutankh-amun's tomb, Howard Carter opened a tiny gap in its long-sealed door and peered into the dark. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... 'What do you see?' asked his fellow archaeologists. A Victorian engine once used in an Edinburgh police building which has been found in an attic during renovation work. The Crossley engine lay hidden for decades before it was discovered in the attic of CoDE The Court, now a hotel in the city ''Wonderful things,' He replied. He did. The gold and glory of Pharaonic Egypt. Here in Edinburgh, men whacked a hole in a wall during renovations and peered into the darkness beyond. What did they see? A wonderful thing, 'one of the most exciting finds in Scotland.' And yes it is. It might not be a gold-encrusted tomb, but for my money, this is way more exciting. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's a steam engine, and not just any old steam engine. It's a Crossley four-stroke engine, and it's the second-oldest one in Europe. Oh, they have one in America, but this one is in brilliant nick having been bricked up like a dead Pharaoh. Now, I will admit, I'm not that up on Victorian four-stroke engines. More inclined toward the massive triple expansion reciprocating beasts that powered the great ships of the early 20th century, even the one that came a cropper with an iceberg. And if you need that reference explaining, I'm available to discuss it further over a cup of tea. Best make that a pot. A big one. Nevertheless, this wee dandy did sterling work back in the days of Greyfriars Bobby and Queen Victoria. Apparently it powered a 'Royal Aquarium' at Waverley originally, which I'm guessing gave Seaworld a run for its money before it shut down, and then police got their mitts on it to help them regulate their temperatures in court. I think we can all agree there is nothing worse than an over heated copper. You can go and see this dinky survivor of the steam age at the Lost Close. In my world, this beats the discoveries of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Terracotta Army and even the death mask of the boy king himself. At least the team who dug out the Crossley won't have to fear the curse of an angry pharoah. Yer Victorian engineer would be thrilled to see his work back out on display.
Scotsman
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Lost Victorian relic found in attic during Edinburgh renovation put on display
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now During renovations, an exceptionally rare Victorian Crossley engine was found tucked away in the attic of CoDE The Court, where it had remained hidden for decades. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This piece of local history is now on display in The Lost Close, the underground vaults of the building at Barrie's Close, situated off Parliament Square and the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. Built in 1878, this marvel of Victorian engineering, far ahead of its time, used to regulate the temperature of the Edinburgh Police Chambers, and its survival offers a rare glimpse into 19th century innovation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This engine is the second-oldest surviving Crossley four-stroke engine in the world and the oldest in Europe. Only two other examples exist, the oldest is housed at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, USA, and another in Denmark. During renovation work at CoDE The Court, a rare 19th-century Crossley 'Otto Silent' engine, one of only three in existence, was discovered tucked away in the attic. | James Armandary Photography Its discovery, in near original condition, by CoDE founder Andrew Landsburgh, adds a significant chapter to Britain's industrial heritage. See video of the discovery here. Andrew Landsburgh, director and founder of CoDE Concepts, said 'This is one of the most exciting finds in Scotland. We found it during The Court's renovation, posted a photo online not knowing what we had, and suddenly experts from around the world were contacting us telling us we'd uncovered something incredible. 'What began as a refurbishment turned into the discovery of a vital piece of Edinburgh, and the world's industrial heritage. This engine connects us directly to Scotland's innovative past and the very beginnings of technology which still powers the modern world. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We've brought it down from the attic to The Lost Close, the underground vaults of the building, where visitors can experience this historic find firsthand.' The engine was moved out of the attic and placed on display at the Lost Close. | Taste The story of this extraordinary discovery will be featured in an upcoming documentary titled 'Potential Energy' airing from May 23, which delves into how the engine was found, its relocation from the attic to The Lost Close, underground vaults of the building and the possibilities of restoring it for modern use. The engine is currently on display at The Lost Close. To mark this discovery, The Lost Close is launching the Scottish Innovations Tour this June, exploring the country's contributions to innovation and industry. Visitors will journey through The Lost Close, now the permanent home of the Crossley 'Otto Silent' engine, and uncover Edinburgh's role in shaping global technological progress. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad James Armandary, tourism development lead of The Lost Close, said 'This is an incredibly exciting addition to The Lost Close. It's not every day you uncover a piece of engineering history that bridges the gap between Scotland's past innovations and technology we take for granted today. 'This building continues to surprise us with its storied history and with the launch of the Scottish Innovations Tour, visitors will not only be able to see the engine up close but also explore Edinburgh's long-overlooked role in shaping global industry.' Thought lost to time, it's now been restored and installed in The Lost Close, a rediscovered underground vault beneath the former Edinburgh Police Chambers. | Taste Sign up for our Breaking Newsletter and stay up to date on the latest news stories from Edinburgh and the Lothians. It's unclear whether the engine was newly installed in the building or a second-hand acquisition. Adding to the intrigue, research revealed a royal connection. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In the 1800s, Edinburgh Police Chambers and Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family's Scottish residence, had the same system installed; adding to the royal connection, this rediscovered engine had originally been installed in the short lived 'Royal Aquarium' at Waverley, before being moved to the police chambers in 1881 where it was installed for the purpose of ventilation. The Lost Close, hidden for nearly two centuries beneath layers of rubble from the Great Fire, was also rediscovered during renovations in 2019.
Powys County Times
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Powys County Times
Rare Victorian engine hidden for decades found in city attic during renovations
A rare Victorian engine once used in an Edinburgh police building has been found in an attic during renovation work. The Crossley engine lay hidden for decades before it was discovered in the attic of CoDE The Court, now a hotel in the city. Researchers said it was originally installed in a 'Royal Aquarium' which was briefly in place at Waverley Market near Waverley station in Edinburgh. It was then moved to the Edinburgh police chambers in 1881 where it was installed for ventilation. The engine is now on display in The Lost Close, the underground vaults of the CoDE Concepts building, and its discovery will feature in a forthcoming documentary. Andrew Landsburgh, director and founder of CoDE Concepts, said: 'This is one of the most exciting finds in Scotland. 'We found it during The Court's renovation, posted a photo online, not knowing what we had, and suddenly experts from around the world were contacting us telling us we'd uncovered something incredible. 'What began as a refurbishment turned into the discovery of a vital piece of Edinburgh, and the world's industrial heritage. 'This engine connects us directly to Scotland's innovative past and the very beginnings of technology which still powers the modern world. 'We've brought it down from the attic to The Lost Close, the underground vaults of the building, where visitors can experience this historic find firsthand.' The engine is thought to be the second-oldest surviving Crossley four-stroke engine in the world and the oldest in Europe. Only two other examples are said to exist, the oldest housed at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, USA, and another in Denmark. The Lost Close was rediscovered during renovations in 2019. James Armandary, tourism development lead of The Lost Close, said: 'This is an incredibly exciting addition to The Lost Close. It's not every day you uncover a piece of engineering history that bridges the gap between Scotland's past innovations and technology we take for granted today. 'This building continues to surprise us with its storied history and with the launch of the Scottish Innovations Tour, visitors will not only be able to see the engine up close but also explore Edinburgh's long-overlooked role in shaping global industry.' The story of the discovery of the engine, which was found in spring 2024, will feature in the documentary Potential Energy which will premiere at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on May 23. The Lost Close is launching the Scottish Innovations Tour this June, which will explore the country's contributions to innovation and industry.
The Independent
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Rare Victorian engine hidden for decades found in city attic during renovations
A rare Victorian engine once used in an Edinburgh police building has been found in an attic during renovation work. The Crossley engine lay hidden for decades before it was discovered in the attic of CoDE The Court, now a hotel in the city. Researchers said it was originally installed in a 'Royal Aquarium' which was briefly in place at Waverley Market near Waverley station in Edinburgh. It was then moved to the Edinburgh police chambers in 1881 where it was installed for ventilation. The engine is now on display in The Lost Close, the underground vaults of the CoDE Concepts building, and its discovery will feature in a forthcoming documentary. Andrew Landsburgh, director and founder of CoDE Concepts, said: 'This is one of the most exciting finds in Scotland. 'We found it during The Court's renovation, posted a photo online, not knowing what we had, and suddenly experts from around the world were contacting us telling us we'd uncovered something incredible. 'What began as a refurbishment turned into the discovery of a vital piece of Edinburgh, and the world's industrial heritage. 'This engine connects us directly to Scotland's innovative past and the very beginnings of technology which still powers the modern world. 'We've brought it down from the attic to The Lost Close, the underground vaults of the building, where visitors can experience this historic find firsthand.' The engine is thought to be the second-oldest surviving Crossley four-stroke engine in the world and the oldest in Europe. Only two other examples are said to exist, the oldest housed at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, USA, and another in Denmark. The Lost Close was rediscovered during renovations in 2019. James Armandary, tourism development lead of The Lost Close, said: 'This is an incredibly exciting addition to The Lost Close. It's not every day you uncover a piece of engineering history that bridges the gap between Scotland's past innovations and technology we take for granted today. 'This building continues to surprise us with its storied history and with the launch of the Scottish Innovations Tour, visitors will not only be able to see the engine up close but also explore Edinburgh's long-overlooked role in shaping global industry.' The story of the discovery of the engine, which was found in spring 2024, will feature in the documentary Potential Energy which will premiere at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on May 23. The Lost Close is launching the Scottish Innovations Tour this June, which will explore the country's contributions to innovation and industry.
Daily Record
22-04-2025
- Daily Record
Rare Victorian engine once used in Edinburgh police building discovered in hotel attic
The Crossley engine lay hidden for decades before it was discovered in the attic of CoDE The Court, now a hotel in the city. A rare Victorian engine once used in an Edinburgh police building has been found in an attic during renovation work. The Crossley engine lay hidden for decades before it was discovered in the attic of CoDE The Court, now a hotel in the city. Researchers said it was originally installed in a "Royal Aquarium" which was briefly in place at Waverley station in Edinburgh. It was then moved to the Edinburgh police chambers in 1881 where it was installed for ventilation. The engine is now on display in The Lost Close, the underground vaults of the CoDE Concepts building, and its discovery will feature in a forthcoming documentary. Andrew Landsburgh, director and founder of CoDE Concepts, said: "This is one of the most exciting finds in Scotland. "We found it during The Court's renovation, posted a photo online, not knowing what we had, and suddenly experts from around the world were contacting us telling us we'd uncovered something incredible. "What began as a refurbishment turned into the discovery of a vital piece of Edinburgh, and the world's industrial heritage. "This engine connects us directly to Scotland's innovative past and the very beginnings of technology which still powers the modern world. "We've brought it down from the attic to The Lost Close, the underground vaults of the building, where visitors can experience this historic find firsthand." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Crossley four-stroke engine in the world and the oldest in Europe. Only two other examples are said to exist, the oldest housed at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, USA, and another in Denmark. The Lost Close was rediscovered during renovations in 2019. James Armandary, tourism development lead of The Lost Close, said: "This is an incredibly exciting addition to The Lost Close. It's not every day you uncover a piece of engineering history that bridges the gap between Scotland's past innovations and technology we take for granted today. "This building continues to surprise us with its storied history and with the launch of the Scottish Innovations Tour, visitors will not only be able to see the engine up close but also explore Edinburgh's long-overlooked role in shaping global industry." The story of the discovery of the engine, which was found in spring 2024, will feature in the documentary Potential Energy which will premiere at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on May 23. The Lost Close is launching the Scottish Innovations Tour this June, which will explore the country's contributions to innovation and industry.
