Buffalo Bill Cody’s trip to Edinburgh Castle

Tuesday 15th December marks the anniversary of Buffalo Bill Cody’s trip to Edinburgh Castle.

During 1892 Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show spent a season at the East End Exhibition Buildings at Dennistoun, Glasgow. The world famous showman decided to come through to the capital for the day.

Although it’s not recorded if he saw the One o’ Clock Gun in action, he must have seen the time gun and possibly spoken to Sergeant Richard Roberts who was in charge of the gun at that time.

In addition to touring the Castle, Colonel Cody visited Holyroodhouse and the Calton Hill where he would have seen the Nelson Monument. The time ball on the monument would have been a familiar sight to Bill as time balls were situated in towns and ports all over the world during the 19th century.

The world famous frontiersman who was used to the Wild West's panoramic views was overwhelmed by the views from the Calton Hill according to the press.

Illustration of the Wild West Show’s official programme cover courtesy of the Tom Cunningham Collection. tom@tnais.com