Broad Street is one of the oldest thoroughfares in Aberdeen – with a long and colourful history at the heart of the Granite City.
It is depicted in Parson Gordon’s map of 1661 as the city’s main street, then known as Broadgate. A fire in 1741 swept away many of the old wooden buildings on its west side and led to a city ordnance that future buildings be built of stone.
For years, Broad Street was a cluster of buildings, wynds and rows – including Guestrow – which were swept away in slum clearances of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today it is dominated by the stunning granite structure of Marischal College, founded in 1593 with the current building dating from 1835. Join us as we take a look at Broad Street over the years.
Finding a parking space didn’t appear to be an issue in 1960, judging from the cars parked in front of Marischal College on Broad Street.
For many years, Broad Street was home to Aberdeen Journals and in 1937 the offices – and the street – were decked out in bunting to mark the coronation of King George VI. Aberdeen Journals are back on Broad Street today at Marischal Square.
More decorations and celebrations on Broad Street, this time in 1945 to mark VJ Day on August 15.
A workman holds his head in his hands as part of a building being demolished in Broad Street falls the wrong way during city centre renovations in 1964. The stones and masonry were meant to collapse into the car park.
Another year, another celebration on Broad Street. In 1977, Queen Elizabeth went on a walkabout to meet the people of Aberdeen during her Silver Jubilee year.
