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The Great Sea Serpent, Edinburgh

  • Writer: CFA Archaeolgy
    CFA Archaeolgy
  • Oct 29, 2024
  • 1 min read

We're really excited to share that we've had an article published in the Autumn 2024 edition of History Scotland.


Open magazine on wooden table displays article titled "The Great Sea Serpent" with black-and-white photo of an amusement ride.

The Great Sea Serpent, by Dave McNicol, discusses CFA Archaeology's 2021-2022 excavations on Edinburgh's Great Sea Serpent, the main attraction at The Royal Patent Gymnasium, which operated from 1865 until 1900. The gymnasium was intended to provide 'healthful and exhilarating exercise in the open air for the people of Edinburgh and for the promotion of healthful recreation' and featured a giant see-saw, self-adjusting trapeze, and more, all in addition to the Sea Serpent.


The Sea Serpent itself was a boating machine powered by the rowing of its passengers. It was constructed to hold up to 600 passengers and was fitted with 250 oars.


Altogether, the Royal Patent Gymnasium, and its wondrous exercise machines, was reflective of the period's increased interest in health and fitness. Read the whole article to find out more - you can find back issues of History Scotland on their website.




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