THE WEST BOW WELL

Situated at the foot of The West Bow, Victoria Street. This was the first of the well heads built to supply water to the Grassmarket from the reservoir at Castle Hill (Now the Tartan Weaving Mill)

It designed by Robert Milne and was built in 1681

There are several well heads dotted down the Royal Mile, none of which are in use today although each has it's own character and are fascinating reminders of a past age.

The West Bow Well has a small iron door with the inscription:

The West-Bow Well
erected by
THE TOWN COUNCIL
1674
Repaired and Altered by
RICHARDSON BROTHERS
Merchants West Bow
1861

On The South Side is a drinking fountain with a carving of the Edinburgh Coat of arms and Edinburgh's Motto

"NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA"
Which translated from Latin means
"Without God Everything Fails"