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Search the Public Notice PortalA 19th-century newspaper has been uncovered during building work at a Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh’s New Town.
A copy of the Primrose League Gazette, dated December 29, 1888, was found beneath floorboards at 7 Charlotte Square during conservation work carried out by the National Trust for Scotland.
Charlotte Square forms part of Edinburgh’s historic New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Gazette was the publication of the Primrose League, an influential political organisation founded in the 1880s to promote Conservative principles, patriotism and civic engagement.
Surviving pages include advertisements for Spratt’s Patent Dog Biscuits, among the earliest commercial pet foods, alongside products such as infant nourishment, cordials and household goods.
At the time the newspaper was printed, No 7 was home to the family of Charles Neaves.
Lord Neaves, FRSE, was a Scottish advocate, judge, theologian and writer. He served as Solicitor General, later as a judge of the Court of Session, Scotland’s supreme civil court, and as rector of the University of St Andrews.
He died in 1876, leaving the home to his wife and kids.
Robbie MacRae, visitor services supervisor at the Georgian House, said: “The trust is currently undertaking works at No 5 Charlotte Square to repair the external fabric of the building, improve accessibility and sustainability, and fit out the internal space to function as an office for our charity.
“During these works, a fragment of the Primrose League Gazette was found, dated 29 December 1888."
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He added: “The Gazette served as the official voice of the Primrose League, a powerful political organisation founded in the 1880s that promoted Conservative values, patriotism and civic involvement.
“It’s incredible that we continue to make discoveries like this and have the opportunity to learn from a fragment of paper printed nearly 140 years ago.
“There is no end to the depth of stories we can tell about the Georgian House and Charlotte Square, and we are still learning more about life in Edinburgh’s New Town in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries every day.”
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