Jail from the Lawn Market Opposite Bank Street

Category

Library Item

Item no

2808

Title

The Old Jail from the Lawn Market opposite Bank Street

Description

The Old Jail and the Tolbooth as seen from the Lawnmarket, Edinburgh. A sign for a shop is on the lower level. St. Giles Kirk can be seen behind the jail. A group of people are standing around the building, some sit next to the well head.

Artist / maker

Somerville, Daniel

Engraver

Leith, S.

Date

1817

Size

19 x 22 cm

Type

Lithograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Lawnmarket is the section of Edinburgh's Royal Mile running from its junction with Johnston Terrace to where it meets George IV Bridge. Regular markets were held in this area until the late 18th century.

The Tolbooth was Edinburgh's administrative centre and prison, and was also the site of many executions. It stood immediately to the west of St Giles Cathedral, and was demolished in 1817. Passers-by would show their dislike for this institution by spitting on its step. This habit persists today at the 'Heart of Midlothian', a cobbled heart which marks where the Tolbooth stood.

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Related subjects

Crime and punishment > Crime and punishment facilities > Prisons

Government > Local > Tolbooths

Landscape > Water > Wells

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

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