Town House

Haddington's town house was originally designed by William Adam (1689 - 1748) in 1742, although little remains visible of the original structure. A court-room and assembly room was added on the western end in 1788, originally over colonnaded arches which were home to the town market. The steeple was replaced by James Gillespie Graham (1776 - 1855) in 1831. The bell in the steeple rings to wake the populous at 7am and again at 10pm to suggest bed-time. This curfew-bell has been ringing since 1532, and while it has been suggested on various occasions that the tradition is now out-moded, made residents rely on the morning bell to get them out of bed and are happy to let the evening peal speed the departing guest.


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