The Old Tolbooth

Category

Library Item

Item no

2815

Title

The Old Tolbooth (after a painting by Alexander Nasmyth)

Description

Stallholders sell goods and children play with dogs beside St Giles Cathedral. Nearby is the Tolbooth, or Heart of Midlothian. Houses and tenement buildings border the scene.

Artist / maker

Nasmyth, Alexander

Engraver

Unknown

Date

1845

Size

16.5 x 23.1 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 subjects

Government > Local > Tolbooths

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

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