Lanark Tolbooth facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lanark Tolbooth
Lanark Tolbooth
Location	High Street, Lanark
Built	1778
Architectural style(s)	Neoclassical style
Listed Building – Category B
Official name: 2–8 High Street
Designated	12 January 1971
Reference no.	LB36997
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The Lanark Tolbooth is an old and important building in Lanark, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. It's located on Hope Street. This historic building used to be a town hall and a prison. Today, it's a busy arts and heritage centre where people can learn about history and enjoy art. It's also a special Category B listed building, which means it's protected because of its history and architecture.

History of the Lanark Tolbooth

Early Beginnings and Purpose

Long ago, the town's main activities, like justice and town meetings, happened at Lanark Castle. In the 1300s, the castle was destroyed. So, the town leaders decided to build a new place called a tolbooth. A tolbooth was like a town hall and a prison all in one.

The first tolbooth in Lanark was built on High Street in the early 1400s. It had prison cells on the ground floor. On the first floor, there was a courtroom for town meetings and legal cases. By 1571, this old building was falling apart and needed to be rebuilt.

A Place of Imprisonment

The Lanark Tolbooth was often used as a prison. In 1649, a group of people accused of being witches were held there. Later, in 1679, a Presbyterian Covenanter named Thomas Lauchlan was captured at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge. He was imprisoned in the tolbooth. However, a group of Covenanters attacked the building in 1681 and set him free. After this, the tolbooth was guarded much more carefully.

In 1684, a man named Robert Baillie was brought to the High Court. He was accused of being involved in a plot against the government. He was found guilty and executed. His body was then displayed in different towns, including Lanark. A young boy named William Leechman bravely took down the remains from the Lanark Tolbooth and gave them a proper burial. Because the tolbooth was not very secure, a new, stronger prison was built nearby in 1714.

The Current Building's Design

The building you see today was finished in 1778. It was designed in a style called Neoclassical architecture. This means it looks like old Greek and Roman buildings. It was built with bricks and then covered with a smooth, plaster-like finish called stucco.

The front of the building has five sections that are the same on both sides. On the ground floor, there were shop fronts. The first floor had tall, rounded windows with decorative frames. The corners of the building had special stone blocks that made it look strong. The east side of the building had windows and a round, blind window at the top. There was also a carving of a double-headed eagle, which is a symbol from Lanark's coat of arms.

Changes Over Time

By the 1830s, the tolbooth was getting old and worn out. The town council decided to build new public offices on Hope Street. The council moved to this new location in 1836. The old tolbooth was then left empty and later sold for business use. It was used as a printer's office, an auction house, and even a grocery shop.

After the town council was removed in 1975, the provost's lamp was moved. The provost was like the mayor of the town. This special lamp used to hang outside the provost's house. Now, it stands permanently on the pavement next to the tolbooth.

A New Life as an Arts and Heritage Centre

In 1992, the tolbooth was bought by the local council and a community group. They put it into a special trust to protect it as a heritage centre. This means it would be a place to learn about the town's history.

In 2017, the ground floor was changed to create an art gallery. This allowed the building to become both an arts centre and a heritage centre. The changes were designed by a local architect named Peter Magnus. The work was paid for by local businesses and a trust. Today, the Lanark Tolbooth continues to be an important part of the community, celebrating both art and history.

See also

• List of listed buildings in Lanark, South Lanarkshire