Tolbooth Well

Category

Library Item

Item no

626

Title

Tolbooth Well

Description

A busy street scene on the High Street, Edinburgh. Construction work is being undertaken beside the Tolbooth Well. A hole has been dug in the road with steps leading down into it. One of the workers is using a pickaxe and a horse with an empty cart is in the hole. On the road a man is walking passed carrying a package and using a walking cane. People are collecting water from the well, which has a lamp attached to the top of it. Tenement buildings with many windows are in the background. The words "North Brit" is written on one building.

Artist / maker

Skene, James

Date

1820

Size

16 x 10 cm

Type

Watercolour

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The Tollbooth was Edinburgh's administrative centre and prison, and was also the site of many executions. Dislike for this institution was shown by spitting on its step, a habit which persists today at the cobbled heart which marks where it stood.

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Related subjects

Government > Local > Tolbooths

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

People > Industry > Construction workers

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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