Midsteeple, Dumfries

About Midsteeple, Dumfries

On the 30 May 1705 the foundation stone was laid after the burgh was granted a share of Scottish customs and foreign duties. It was here that a town-house with a tall steeple was built at the back of the Market Cross. It was used for many purposes over the centuries, including as a prison, council house and clerk's chamber for keeping the charter chest and records of the burgh. There are two large stone crests on the side of the building , the Royal Arms of Scotland and St Michael, the patron saint of Dumfries.

In 1796 the body of poet Robert Burns lay in the courtroom of the Midsteeple until his funeral on Monday July 25th. A procession ran from Midsteeple to St Michael's Church.