The Woolworths on Princes Street survived until 1984, when the company’s new owners Paternoster (later Kingfisher) decided to close a number of the larger stores around the UK.The Woolworths on Princes Street survived until 1984, when the company’s new owners Paternoster (later Kingfisher) decided to close a number of the larger stores around the UK.
The Woolworths on Princes Street survived until 1984, when the company’s new owners Paternoster (later Kingfisher) decided to close a number of the larger stores around the UK.

Edinburgh retro: These 13 nostalgic photos of Edinburgh's iconic Princes Street provide window into bygone era

Gary Flockhart
By Gary Flockhart

Lifestyle Editor

Published 13th Oct 2020, 16:45 BST
Updated 12th Jul 2023, 15:15 BST
Princes Street is one of the major thoroughfares in central Edinburgh – and has a long and storied history.

Built in the late 18th century during the reign of King George III, Princes Street was part of the new section of Edinburgh and was named for the King's sons after its original name – St Giles Street – was rejected.

Today, it is the main shopping street in the Capital.

Take a look through our photo gallery to see just how much the Capital's most famous street has changed down the decades.

Jacey was ocated at 131 Princes Street (just one door up from present-day HMV). The cinema was known for its eclectic mix of independent art house cinema, continental movies as well as the odd X-rated flick.

5. Jacey News Theatre

Jacey was ocated at 131 Princes Street (just one door up from present-day HMV). The cinema was known for its eclectic mix of independent art house cinema, continental movies as well as the odd X-rated flick. Photo: Photo: TSPL

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A stunning picture of Princes Street Station and central Edinburgh.

6. Aerial of Princes Street Station and central Edinburgh.

A stunning picture of Princes Street Station and central Edinburgh. Photo: Photo: TSPL

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The north side of Princes Street between Hanover Street and Frederick Street, opposite the RSA. Picture taken around 1860.

7. North side of Princes Street

The north side of Princes Street between Hanover Street and Frederick Street, opposite the RSA. Picture taken around 1860. Photo: TSPL

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Burger King at the East End of Princes Street on the former site of Woolworths in 1998.

8. Burger King

Burger King at the East End of Princes Street on the former site of Woolworths in 1998. Photo: Photo: TSPL

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