Hibs founder who left his mark on Edinburgh

A brass plate embedded in Warriston Close, in Edinburgh's historic old town.

One of the pioneers of Hibernian Football Club, which was founded exactly 150 years ago today, has literally left his mark on the city's streets. But you have to look carefully to find him. 
   Pat Cavanagh was at the club's founding meeting on 6 August 1875 in St Mary's Street Hall and soon became an integral part of the team formed from Edinburgh's Irish Catholic community. A natural leader, he was elected captain in 1879 and inspired Hibs to their earliest triumphs, winning three consecutive Edinburgh FA Cups, followed by the Edinburgh FA Shield twice and the Rosebery Cup.

Pat Cavanagh, bedecked with medals, captained Hibs to numerous successes including this team in 1884 with the Rosebery Cup, the Edinburgh Shield and other trophies.

For that alone he deserves respect as a Hibs legend, but after he hung up his boots in 1884 he went into the construction business. A plasterer to trade, his company specialised in laying floors and pavements, and became a leading contractor for Edinburgh Council when they undertook street improvements towards the end of the nineteenth century.

An advert in the Scottish Catholic Directory of 1889

Cavanagh clearly took a pride in his civic work, as at street corners he liked to embed his nameplate in the concrete pavements, a permanent reminder of his expertise as well as a subtle advert for future business. And he was right to be proud, as some of those pavements are still going strong after generations of use: you can even find his brass plates that state 'PF Cavanagh, Edinr'.
   There are not many left, as paving stones and tarmac have replaced or covered most of the originals, but I tracked down one impressive plate embedded in Warriston Close, the steep and seemingly interminable steps which rise from Cockburn Street to the High Street, the full height of the City Chambers. 

The daunting steps of Warriston Close, leading up from Cockburn Street.

Cavanagh's brass plate embedded in the steps of Warriston Close. Tourists and residents pass it every day without a second thought.

Warriston Close was reopened in 1902 after being formed in granolithic concrete by Cavanagh, and his work was praised by the Council's Streets and Building Committee who said it had been 'very satisfactorily carried out'. Testament to that is the condition of the steps which remain sound after over 120 years in use. Cavanagh's plate is one flight up, between the central handrails. ​

Cavanagh's brass plate in the pavement of Hatton Place, on the corner with Tantallon Place.

There is another example of his work just south of the Meadows in Hatton Place, a quiet suburban street, at its junction with Tantallon Place. His brass sign is set proudly in the concrete, which Cavanagh's men laid in the 1890s and is still in good condition.
​   However, another sign a couple of streets away in Palmerston Road has been cut in half, probably due to the laying of a modern interloper such as an internet cable. Tellingly, however, the Cavanagh half is in better condition than its modern cement replacement.
   How much longer will these evocative remnants of Edinburgh’s Victorian past survive? It may only be a matter of time before they are resurfaced and signs of Pat Cavanagh's endeavours are obliterated for ever, although there is a glimmer of hope that their significance to the city's heritage will be recognised.
   Edinburgh Council's Street Design Guidance acknowledges the historic importance of granolithic concrete, and states 'There should be a presumption in favour of retaining and repairing areas of historic paving'.
   Keep an eye open for any more brass plates celebrating Pat Cavanagh. His company was responsible for laying pavements all around Edinburgh so there must be more of them. Where are they? Let me know what you find.

Patrick Cavanagh's grave at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Edinburgh

Patrick Felix Cavanagh was born in St Mary's Wynd, Edinburgh on 7 March 1855 to Irish parents and grew up in the Cowgate area where he was a member of St Patrick’s CYMS, which led to him becoming a founding member of Hibernian FC in 1875. Instantly recognisable because of his large bushy moustache, he inspired Hibs to their earliest triumphs, establishing them as the capital's top team with three consecutive Edinburgh FA Cups in 1879, 1880 and 1881, followed by the Edinburgh FA Shield in 1882 and 1884, and the Rosebery Cup in 1884. He was chosen for the Edinburgh Select team on five occasions. He died aged just 51 on 23 August 1906 after a short illness at his home in Comely Bank, and was buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery. Hibs wore black armbands in their next match to mark his passing.