The Tolbooth Museum is in Aberdeen, Scotland. One of the oldest surviving buildings in the city, it is a former jail used in the 17th century which is currently operated as a museum. The Tolbooth showcases exciting re-constructions, models, displays and interactive exhibits related to the olden times. Since the building has been used as a jail various information on the history and development of crime and punishment and local history and government in Aberdeen is showcased here. Visitors are able to see prison cells and a variety of police items related to law and order too.
The Tolbooth building has a significant history. In the olden days it was used as a place to collect tolls and customs and to hold burgh council meetings. It is in 1616 that the building was transformed to a prison and continued to be so for the next 200 years.
There are seven main sections that you can visit within the building; the entrance hall, criminal cell, jailor’s room, civic room, jacobite cell, crime and punishment and the townhouse. The entrance hall of the museum has been reconstructed throughout the years so it is not quite the original look of the hall. The criminal cell and jailor’s room both have its original look; you will even be able to see a key used during the time it functioned as a jail. The civic room displays images and information related to Aberdeen’s long and proud civic history and provides a fascinating insight into the period. The rest of the sections are restored to their original conditions for visitors to enjoy.
Another interesting fact about the Tolbooth is that it is considered to be one of the most haunted buildings in Aberdeen. There have been various investigations done on the paranormal activities taking place within the museum. However, this has not hindered the number of visitors who enjoy the site throughout the years. The Tolbooth museum is opened seasonally to the general public but school and community groups can request access during other times.
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Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.