The old Guard House

Category

Library Item

Item no

13613

Title

The old City Guard of Edinburgh (the City Guard-house. Corporal John Dhu.)

Description

Smoke escapes from chimneys of the guard house of the Edinburgh Town Guard. A soldier looks out from a covered doorway. A man who has commited an offence is 'riding the mare', a punishment of being tied to a wooden horse with a musket strapped to each foot.

Artist / maker

Kay, John

Date

1786

Size

10.5 x 23.5 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Towards the end of the 18th century the City Guard was housed in a Guard House situated on the High Street, Edinburgh. The building consisted of the captain's room, prisoners' room, accommodation hall and finally a room for chimney sweeps. A wooden mare was positioned next to the Guard House to punish guardsmen. They were tied to the mare and exposed to derision from Edinburgh citizens.

Corporal John Dhu a member of the City Guard was a well known character and was a terror to mobs in Edinburgh.

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Related subjects

Crime and punishment > Criminals and prisoners > Criminals

Crime and punishment > Criminals and prisoners > Prisoners

People > Military activities > Soldiers

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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