Prison cell in the Steeple.

Once the town jail. We visited the Falkirk Steeple this morning. A visible landmark that dominates the High Street and is associated with its identity. The present steeple was completed in 1814. In the past it contained two jail cells, one for men on the second floor, one for women on the third. The jailer and his wife occupied the first floor. The Stentmaisters used the third floor room for business meetings. The cells can still be seen, they are accessed up the narrow spiral access stair that winds up through the bottom section of the structure. It must have been difficult getting rowdy prisoners up to their cell.  The original cell doors are still in place, ditto parts of flooring etc; no sanitation, heating, one open window - such very basic conditions! No access higher up, the spiral staircase reverts to a ladder. The two enthusiastic gentlemen running the visit were very knowledgeable, one spoke of town life in 17th century going forwards; the other, former Keeper of Archaeology and Local History at Falkirk Museums, took us upstairs to cells. (Some extra photos).

A friend came for coffee this afternoon. Been doing some refurbishment for older son and wife. He’s due to go to hospital again for a procedure. Much is happening in his family with elderly parents.

Family dinner this evening. Great catchup. A lot seems to be going on just now; busy and generally good personal and career news. Our younger son had had a challenging day at work, so chat started with him!