tolbooths

A tolbooth was a type of building, common in Scotland and Northern England, used for collecting tolls, customs duties, and market taxes. The name is derived from "toll" and "booth." These structures served a vital function in medieval and early modern urban economies. They were often situated in prominent locations within towns and cities, such as market squares or at key entrances, to facilitate the collection of revenue from merchants and traders.

Tolbooths varied in their architectural style and size, ranging from simple booths to substantial buildings that also served as town halls, prisons, or guildhalls. The administrative and judicial functions were often combined with the tax collection role, making the tolbooth a central hub for civic life. Some tolbooths were also used to house weights and measures, ensuring fairness in trade. The records kept within tolbooths provided valuable information about economic activity and local governance. Over time, as administrative systems evolved and toll collection methods changed, the specific functions of tolbooths diminished, and many were repurposed or demolished.