City of Leisure [online exhibition]

The City of Leisure story on the Our Town Stories website incorporates some amazing objects and evocative images from the collections of Museums & Galleries and Libraries to conjure up a picture of life in the past.
In previous centuries leisure time was far more limited, and before the industrialised period, linked to seasonal and religious festivals. There tended to be a separation in how the affluent classes enjoyed themselves and the time available for the working classes to indulge in free time. However, some activities, like community festivals, fairs and markets attracted all members of society. One such example in Edinburgh was the annual Leith Races, which were held on the sands east of Leith Harbour from 1504 to 1816. Here, people of all classes rubbed shoulders and enjoyed the carnival atmosphere.

The Victorian period brought great change in work, lifestyle and in the range of activities and entertainment which became available to the masses. The Victorians also brought in sports associations and regulation which allowed for controlled competition between teams and in turn, created a big increase in spectators.

Read the City of Leisure story on Our Town Stories to find out more about how Edinburghers have spent their free time in centuries past.