Inverness Town Steeple
The Town Steeple on the corner of Bridge Street and Church Street is a 43-metre Neoclassical tower completed in 1791. It once held the town's courtrooms and jail cells, saw trials linked to the Highland Clearances, and still dominates the view along the river end of the High Street.
Photos
Frank McAllister
A tower with a past
Inverness had a tolbooth on this site by 1593. The present steeple, designed by Alexander Laing, was built between 1789 and 1791 and housed courtrooms and four prison cells. In 1814 it hosted the trial of factor Patrick Sellar over the Strathnaver clearances; he was found not guilty. It is one of the few buildings in the city centre to survive from the 18th century.
Damage and repair
An earth tremor in August 1816 twisted the spire, and it was fully restored by 1828. The courthouse block alongside was demolished in 1853 and shops were built against the tower, which is now Category A listed. The ground floor is occupied by a heraldry and gift shop. The spire you see today is the restored one, and the tower is a fine example of Neoclassical civic building.
Seeing it
The best views are from Bridge Street looking up from the Ness Bridge, or from Castle Hill above. It is a quick stop on a walk between the castle, the museum and the High Street; Gellions Bar, one of the town's oldest pubs, is next door. It makes a good landmark for meeting people in town, and the Ness Bridge and riverside walks are only steps away.
Highlights
- Completed in 1791
- 43 metres tall
- Former courthouse and jail
- Category A listed
Good to know
- The tower is viewed from outside; the ground floor is a shop.
- It stands at the junction of Bridge Street and Church Street, by the Ness Bridge.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: en.wikipedia.org