Bellfield History:

Portobello has some interesting architecture; Bellfield is an example of that. The historic building is the site of what had previously been Portobello Old Parish Church, a Georgian church of classical design located in Bellfield Street (formerly Melville Street).

The building’s Timeline:

· 1807- Negotiations started with Duddingston Parish Church for Portobello to have its own place of worship.

· As a result, new chapel of ease was built on what was once Rabbit Ha’ farmstead.

· The building which is dated 1809 was built between 1808 and 1810 to a design by William Sibbald, at a cost of £2650.

· 1815- It was extended.

· 1834- The Chapel was made into a Quoad Sacra Parish Church, by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

· 1839- The clock tower was added.

· 1878- J Macintyre Henry added N Jamb

· 1850- With the growing population in Portobello, the burial ground was extended.

· 1929- It became known as Portobello Old Church.

· 1934- the building had alterations and additions.

· 1964- A Church Hall was built to a design by Alan Reiach and Partners.

· 1973- A union is formed with Portobello Windsor Place and it became Portobello Old and Windsor Place Church.

· 2013 – Informal negotiations begin to ensure that the community can acquire Belfield should the Church decide to sell.

· 2016- A public meeting was held to discuss the potential for a community buy- out.

· 2017- Successful community buy- out

· 2018- The building re-opens as Bellfield.

Other points of interests:

Bellfield is a beautiful and well-preserved building which has retained much of its original features such as the main hall organ, beautiful stained glass windows, fine classical plaster work (cornice & ceiling rose), carved wood panels and much more. There is also a lovely garden for all to use!