bronze plaque · Aberdeen
Archibald Reith

This bronze plaque serves as a memorial to Archibald Reith MD. Its significance lies in commemorating not only an individual but also marking the historical site of the Porthill Sunday School. The plaque preserves the memory of a place that held community importance for several decades, having been erected in 1874 and serving the area until its demolition in 1960. It acts as a permanent reminder of both Dr. Reith and the former architectural and social landscape of the Porthill area, which has since undergone redevelopment into modern housing.
The memorial plaque originates from an era when local community institutions, such as Sunday schools, played a central role in civic and spiritual life. The demolition of the Porthill Sunday School in 1960 to make way for a housing development reflects a common pattern of urban renewal and change that occurred in post-war Britain. Many communities experienced the loss of older buildings and landmarks as towns and cities adapted to new housing needs and modern planning principles. This plaque stands as a testament to the effort to preserve the memory of an earlier structure and its association with a notable individual amidst such transformations.
This memorial plaque is located in Gallowgate, Aberdeen. It is described as a bronze-plaque, indicating its material and form. Visitors to the area will find it in a public setting, likely integrated into the existing housing development that replaced the Porthill Sunday School. As a bronze plaque, it offers a durable and accessible way to engage with a piece of local history and remembrance. Respectful viewing is encouraged, recognising its role in honouring both Archibald Reith MD and the former community building that once stood on this site.
Inscription
“THIS MEMORIAL PLAQUE TO THE MEMORY OF ARCHIBALD REITH MD WAS REMOVED FROM PORTHILL SUNDAY SCHOOL WHEN IT WAS DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE PRESENT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT . THE PLAQUE MARKS THE SITE OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL WHICH WAS ERECTED IN 1874 AND DEMOLISHED IN 1960”
Background
Archibald Reith Low (31 December 1878 – 21 January 1969) was a British pilot and aeronautics pioneer. He designed the Vickers F.B.5. and Vickers E.F.B.1. According to Mervyn O'Gorman, Low coined the term "drag" to refer to aerodynamic drag.
Source: Open Plaques. Geographic data via OpenStreetMap.
