The Tolbooth, Aberdeen facts for kids
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| Location | Aberdeen |
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| Type | Prison Museum |
The Tolbooth in Aberdeen, Scotland, is a very old building. It was built in the 1600s and used to be a jail. Today, it is a fascinating museum where you can learn about its past.
Inside, you can explore old prison cells. The museum also shows many items related to police work and the law from long ago. This historic building has even been featured on TV shows because of its spooky ghostlore stories!
Contents
The Tolbooth's Long History
The Tolbooth is one of the oldest buildings in Aberdeen. It was constructed between 1616 and 1629. You can find it right next to the Aberdeen Town House on Union Street in the city center.
Early Justice and Punishments
Back in the 1500s, Aberdeen acquired its first guillotine. This machine was used for severe punishments. Today, this very device is on display at the museum for visitors to see.
In the 1600s, some people were accused of witchcraft. For example, in 1630, a woman named Marion Hardie from Elgin was held in the Tolbooth. Sadly, many people accused of witchcraft faced harsh fates. By 1703, witchcraft was no longer considered a crime.
The Market Cross and Public Life
In 1686, a special market cross was built in front of the Tolbooth. This cross was a place where important announcements were made. It was repaired in 1821 and then moved to its current spot in 1827.
The Jacobite Risings and Prisoners
During the Jacobite rising of 1715, many local people gathered in front of the Tolbooth. They declared their support for James Francis Edward Stuart as the rightful King of Scotland. Later, after the Jacobite rising of 1745 and the defeat at the Battle of Culloden, the Tolbooth held many prisoners. Over 96 Jacobite supporters were kept there while they waited for their trials.
Children and Forced Labor
In the 1700s, some children in Aberdeen faced a very difficult time. City leaders sometimes held children in the Tolbooth and other buildings. These children were then sent to America to work. While some were street children with no one to care for them, others were reportedly taken while playing.
Ghost Stories at The Tolbooth
The Aberdeen City Council took over the old jail and opened it as a museum in 1995. Because of its long history, many people believe the Tolbooth is haunted. A team that investigates paranormal activity visited the building in April 2009. This visit was part of the TV series Most Haunted. The episode aired in December 2009, sharing the building's spooky tales. In 2016, the museum celebrated its 400th anniversary, marking centuries of history and mystery.
What You Can See at the Museum
When you visit The Tolbooth museum, you can step back in time. You can see the actual prison cells with their original barred windows and heavy doors. The guillotine, once used for punishments, is also on display.
There is a special cell called the Jacobite cell. Here, you can experience an interactive display. It features a model of Willie Baird, a prisoner from 1746. He sits with his fellow Jacobite prisoners, James Innes and Alexander Annand. Willie tells visitors about his life as they all await their trials and sentencing. It's a unique way to imagine what life was like for prisoners long ago.
