Venue Description

Starbank House was built in 1815 and belonged originally to Alexander Goalen.  The boundaries of the original grounds were similar to those of the present-day Starbank Park.  Goalen was the uncle of William Ewart Gladstone, the great Victorian Prime Minister.  Walter Goalen,  the founder and rector of Christ Church near the north end of Trinity Road, appears to have inherited the house from his father (Alexander Goalen) and lived there until his death in 1889.  Leith Town Council bought the property in 1889 and opened the grounds of Starbank House as Starbank Park in 1891.  Starbank House was originally the home of the park keeper. It became a museum in 1920 on the demise of Leith Town Council and the contents were transferred to Huntly House Museum in the Canongate in 1932.  The house became the parkie’s house for many years before being converted into two flats that are currently lived in by retired Council staff. 

Accessibility

Access the park easily in the top walled garden by the top gates of Laverockbank Rd. The bottom part of the park is steep and slopes towards the sea so is not easily accessible. The walled garden is set out at the top on one level and has beautiful flower beds and lots of benches to stop and sit and soak up the fantastic scented flowers. The walled garden is surrounded by cherry blossom trees so it’s all pink in early May.

Toilets

We do have a toilet but have been asked to keep it locked by the council. Ask a volunteer and we can unlock the toilets. It’s on one level and also easily accessed.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.