The Back of the Old Jail, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

2858

Title

The back of the old jail, Edinburgh, from the front of the Advocates Library

Description

The old jail stands in front of tenement buildings and next to the well. Soldiers are beside the prison sitting under a lamp. Boots are on the wall of the gaol underneath a window.

Artist / maker

Somerville, Daniel

Engraver

Unknown

Date

1817

Size

17.5 x 25.5 cm

Type

Lithograph

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 images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Wellheads

Crime and punishment > Crime and punishment facilities > Prisons

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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