THE TOLBOOTH TAVERN ~ EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

THE TOLBOOTH TAVERN ~ EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Built in 1591, the Tolbooth Tavern in Edinburgh was formerly part of the original Canongate Tolbooth.

This medieval building was used to divide the Royal Burgh of Edinburgh and Canongate.

There are tales of a suspected warlock being exorcised on the premises by Sir Lewis Bellenden, justice clerk for the burgh.

The supposed warlock was said to be so scared, he died of fright shortly after the exorcism.

The historical Canongate Tolbooth was briefly used as a prison too, on the ground floor, and mostly used for those who weren’t able to pay fines or were guilty of minor offences.

(Not to be confused with the “Old Tolbooth Prison”, which was brutal)

Rumours are rife, that the Tolbooth Tavern is haunted.

Many tales have been told about an unnamed spirit, often seen as a shadowy figure.
He makes his way around the pub, pushing glasses and bottles off tables and knocking pictures off walls.

There is also said to be the spirits of children who play throughout the pub.

Their voices and footsteps are often heard echoing through the air.
Some people have also claimed to have heard a ghostly spectre climbing the stairs up to the clock tower.

Today, the upper level of the historic Canongate Tolbooth is home to The People’s Story Museum.

This collection of displays offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked in Edinburgh between the 18th and 20th centuries.
There’s even a reconstructed jail inside, where you can imagine what life was like for the prisoners kept there.