Cauvin's Hospital, Willowbrae Road

Image: © kim traynor Taken: 15 Dec 2009

House of Louis Cauvin, son of a French Huguenot officer who fled France in the 1740s or 50s following a fatal duelling incident. The young Louis made his fortune teaching French in Edinburgh. On retiring he became the tenant of Woodlands Farm, Duddingston and built his new house called 'Louisville' opposite the farm on the road to Jock's Lodge. Before his death in 1824 he bequeathed a hospital to provide for the maintenance and education of 20 boys between the ages of six and eight for a period of six years. The scholars were to be the sons of teachers and farmers (failing which, master printers, booksellers or farm servants). A bias towards languages was reflected in the curriculum which, beside the three 'R's and Mathematics, comprised Latin, Greek, French and German. It opened in 1833 and was administered by trustees, including the Lord Provost, the Principal of the University, the Rector of the High School, the Ministers of Duddingston and Liberton and the factor of the chief local landowner, the Duke of Abercorn. The building is now the centrepiece of housing for the elderly. Image

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