Trinity House & Maritime Museum, Leith (Edinburgh)

Maritime Museum

Summary 15th century buildings Free admission Guided tours Information provided

Introduction

Trinity House is the home of the Incorporation of Shipowners and Shipmasters, an organisation dating back to the 14th century.

Successive generations of masters and members of Trinity House have been closely involved in the history and maritime development of Leith. Thomas Brown designed the present Trinity House in 1816 on the site of the medieval mariner's hospital.
Open Hours :January to December Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 10.00 am to 3.30 pm.

Free Admission. 

History to the present day

Trinity House, together with its remarkable historic collections, provides a fascinating insight into Leith’s celebrated maritime past. The present building served as the headquarters for the Incorporation of Mariners and Shipmasters in the Port of Leith for nearly two centuries. This charity was established to support the needs of injured and retired seamen and their families. Its origins can be traced back to 1380, when it was granted the right to levy a tax, known as prime gilt, on goods imported into Leith.

The building that now stands on the Kirkgate, opposite South Leith Parish Church, was built in 1816 on the site of a former Trinity House and hospital dating back to sometime before 1550.

Other facilities

Guided tours (maximum 15 people) on Tuesday to Friday should be booked in advance by calling 0131 554 3289.
Guided tours on Saturday run at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
All tours last approximately one hour.
 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Trinity House & Maritime Museum, Edinburgh, , United Kingdom

The museum is located in the north of Edinburgh at 99 Kirkgate, Leith.From Edinburgh Princes Street take any bus travelling to the foot of Leith Walk. At the foot, walk eastwards to Trinity House (4 min).