Drum of the Edinburgh Town Guard

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

43664

Title

Drum of the Edinburgh Town Guard

Description

A wooden drum painted with red, blue and yellow strips. Tied in a criss-cross from either end is a string used for carrying the drum, with a longer rope to the side. On the side of the drum is a pattern made from iron tacks.

Location

Museum of Edinburgh

Accession number

HH128

The Town Guard was responsible for beating a nightly curfew at 10 o'clock. They announced the curfew by sounding a drum which was known as the "Ten Hours Drum". The Guard also used the drum to make public announcements.
A record in the City Council minutes for 29th August 1804 mentions payment of £2.16 for this new drum and sticks for the City Guard by the Edinburgh instrument maker Muir & Wood.

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