The Old Jail in Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

2829

Title

The Old Jail in Edinburgh

Description

A soldier stands talking to a woman and child at a doorway to the Old Jail. Outside the prison is a horse-drawn cart.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1850

Size

15.8 x 18.4 cm

Type

Watercolour

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

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

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Land > Horse and carts

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