Ancient Signal Tower, Tolbooth Wynd, Leith. 1848.

This original antique steel engraving depicts the Ancient Signal Tower in Tolbooth Wynd, Leith — one of the most distinctive and historically significant structures in Scotland’s principal port — drawn by Sir Daniel Wilson and engraved by William Forrest for his landmark work Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time, published in 1848.

The Signal Tower at Tolbooth Wynd was one of Leith’s most characteristic landmarks, used for centuries to communicate with ships entering and leaving the port — a vital function in a harbour town whose commercial life depended entirely on the sea.

Leith was for much of its history an entirely separate burgh from Edinburgh, with its own civic institutions, churches, and architectural heritage, and Wilson’s careful documentation of its ancient buildings is among the most valuable contributions of the entire Memorials series.

Tolbooth Wynd itself was one of Leith’s oldest streets, running from the Shore inland past the ancient Tolbooth, and the Signal Tower was one of its most prominent and historically resonant features. A distinctive and unusual subject that will appeal strongly to collectors of Scottish maritime history, Leith topography, and Edinburgh prints.

The thin paper of this print has separated from its original thicker backing sheet, though both elements remain present.

Subscript: Lower Left: D. Wilson. Lower Right: W. Forrest. Lower Center: Ancient Signal Tower. Tolbooth Wynd, Leith.

Author: Sir Daniel Wilson, F. R. S. S. A. (1816–1892)

Publication: Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time. By Daniel Wilson, F. S. S. A. Acting Secretary to the Society of the Antiquaries of Scotland.

Volume: 2

Publisher: Hugh Paton / Simpkin, Marshall, & Co.

Place of Publication: Adam Square, Edinburgh / London

Date: 1848

Artist: Sir Daniel Wilson, F. R. S. S. A. (1816–1892)

Engraver: William Forrest

Page Number: Between pages 144–145

Paper Dimensions: 12 ¼ x 9 ⅞ inches

Medium: Steel Engraving

Language: English

Coloured: Black and white

Condition: The print is in great condition with some minor wear around the print, including some minor creasing on the right side and around the edges, as can be seen. The print is on a thin paper which was originally adhered to a thicker paper for publication; however, the adhesive is no longer holding and the two sheets have separated.

Reference: Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time, HathiTrust Digital Library