Heart of Midlothian, Taken Down in 1817

Category

Library Item

Item no

2827

Title

Heart of Midlothian, taken down in 1817

Description

People walk around the Heart of Midlothian tolbooth building in Edinburgh and behind it is St Giles Cathedral. One man pushes a barrel in a barrow, a woman sells items from a table.

Artist / maker

Wilson, D.

Date

1848

Size

15.4 x 17.5 cm

Type

Engraving

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

Government > Local > Tolbooths

People > Commercial activities > Street traders

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

Transport > Land > Wheelbarrows

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