The Powis Gates
Twin towers of Turkish-inspired design, built with slavery compensation in 1834.
A striking pair of cylindrical towers with ornamental minarets and crescent finials, the Powis Gates stand at the entrance to Powis Lodge in Old Aberdeen. Built in 1834 by John Leslie using wealth derived from slavery compensation, these distinctive structures blend stone and harled brickwork with Turkish-inspired architectural elements. Now owned by the University of Aberdeen, the gates have been marked with a commemorative plaque recognizing their connection to the legacy of slavery in Scotland.
A brief summary to The Powis Gates
- 51 College Bounds, Aberdeen, AB24 3UG, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the gates at dusk when the gold-leafed orbs and crescent finials catch the fading light, creating a striking visual effect that highlights their ornamental details.
- Read the commemorative plaque carefully and look for the shield at the back of the gates bearing the busts of three enslaved people, which adds crucial context to understanding the structure's history.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Old Aberdeen to see King's College Chapel and other historic university buildings, which provide broader perspective on the area's architectural heritage.
- Check if the detailed interpretation board mentioned in ongoing development has been installed, as it will provide deeper historical context about slavery's legacy in Aberdeen.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Walking from Aberdeen City Centre
From Union Street in Aberdeen city centre, walk north toward the university district. Follow the main pedestrian routes toward King's College, which takes approximately 20–25 minutes on foot. The Powis Gates are located at 51 College Bounds, directly opposite King's College Chapel. The walk is straightforward on paved urban streets with good accessibility.
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Bus from City Centre
Several local bus routes serve Old Aberdeen. Journey times from the city centre are typically 10–15 minutes depending on traffic and route. Buses stop near the university area, from which the gates are a short walk. Fares are approximately £1.50–£2.50 for a single journey. Check local transport schedules for current routes serving College Bounds.
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Parking and Vehicle Access
Limited on-street parking is available on College Bounds and surrounding streets in Old Aberdeen, though availability is often restricted during university term times. A nearby university car park serves the area with hourly rates of approximately £1.50–£2.00. The gates are directly accessible by vehicle, though the narrow historic streets require careful navigation.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services can deliver you directly to 51 College Bounds. Journey time from the city centre is typically 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Estimated fares range from £6–£12 for a standard journey from central Aberdeen.
The Powis Gates location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about The Powis Gates
An Architectural Curiosity with Eastern Influences
The Powis Gates are among Aberdeen's most visually distinctive landmarks, commanding attention at the entrance to Powis Lodge on College Bounds in Old Aberdeen. Constructed in 1834 by architect Alexander Fraser for John Leslie of Powis, these twin cylindrical towers rise with an unusual architectural vocabulary that has intrigued observers for nearly two centuries. The towers feature partly stone and partly harled brickwork construction, crowned with slated turrets bearing gold-leafed orbs and crescent finials—symbols that reference the Fraser family crest, the previous owners of the Powis estate. The design suggests inspiration from Turkish or Oriental architecture, though the precise source of this stylistic choice remains unclear. The gates are further adorned with panels bearing the coats of arms of the Lairds of Powis, reinforcing their role as a statement of family prestige and territorial identity.Wealth Built on Enslaved Labour
The construction of the Powis Gates coincided precisely with the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which outlawed slavery in British colonies from August 1834. The timing was no coincidence. John Leslie's father, Hugh Leslie, had owned plantations in Jamaica, and when slavery was abolished, the British government compensated slaveholders for their loss of enslaved people as property. The Leslie family received compensation exceeding £7,000—equivalent to more than £600,000 in modern currency—which directly funded the construction of these gates. The formerly enslaved received no reparations for their years of unpaid labour and suffering. A shield at the back of the gates bears busts of three Black slaves, ostensibly commemorating freedom, though the structure itself stands as a monument to the wealth extracted from human bondage.From Private Estate to Public Landmark
The Powis estate has undergone significant transformations since its construction. Hugh Leslie built Powis House in 1802, establishing the family's prominence in Old Aberdeen. By the late nineteenth century, the estate had passed to the Burnett family. In the 1930s, Aberdeen Town Council acquired most of the property to develop the Powis Housing Scheme, which eventually comprised over 300 residences of public housing. Powis House itself was partly demolished during this development but reopened in 1942 as a community centre and briefly housed a branch of Aberdeen Public Library. The gates, however, survived and eventually came under the ownership of the University of Aberdeen, where they remain a prominent feature of the Old Aberdeen landscape.Recognition of Historical Reckoning
In 2020, during the Black Lives Matter protests, the Powis Gates gained renewed attention as a tangible symbol of slavery-derived wealth in Scotland. Temporary banners were installed to highlight this history. In 2021, ceramic artist Helen Love and spoken word artist Noon Abdelrazig created a collaborative artwork titled "Quasheba / Powis Gateway Project / the Violence of Identity," commissioned by Aberdeen Art Gallery. This installation prompted deeper conversations about the gates' troubling origins. In recognition of this legacy, Aberdeen City Council installed a permanent commemorative plaque as part of its Place Plaques scheme, which honours people and places of historic significance. The plaque marks an important step in the University of Aberdeen's wider commitment to acknowledging and addressing the legacies of historic slavery and colonialism embedded in its institutions and landscape. A more detailed interpretation board is being developed with input from students and the community to provide fuller context about the gateway's history and its connection to Aberdeen's role in the slave trade.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Powis Gates
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Twin towers of Turkish-inspired design, built with slavery compensation in 1834.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
