In Prestonpans, immediately to the east of Northfield House is a passageway that connects Preston Road to Mid Road. A modern sign simply reads “Northfield” but, in days gone by, according to Peter McNeill’s Prestonpans and Vicinity, the lane was known as ‘Katie Herrin’s Close’ (“from the fact that a very old woman of that name lived and died there“).
It is one of the very few streets in East Lothian named after a woman. Where are the others?
Oliphant Gardens in Wallyford, is named after the novelist and historical writer Margaret Oliphant. Haddington’s Carlyle Court honours Jane Welsh Carlyle (irritatingly oft referred to as “wife of Thomas Carlyle” but actually considered to be an important feminist writer in her own right, though her works were not published during her lifetime).
David Annand‘s statue of Jackie Crookston beating her drum by her side is an arresting sight in Tranent town centre.
Where in East Lothian, are the statues, gardens, buildings and streets named after women?