Edinburgh Old Town , Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Site of the Last Public Execution in Edinburgh

Photographed by Judith Elizabeth Pearson, May 28, 2025

1. Site of the Last Public Execution in Edinburgh Marker

Inscription. The site of the gallows is marked by the three brass plates set at the edge of the pavement in front of this notice. George Bryce, the Ratho Murderer, was executed here on 21st June 1864, the last public execution in Edinburgh.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is June 21, 1864.

Location. 55° 56.963′ N, 3° 11.542′ W. Marker is in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is in Edinburgh Old Town. It is at the intersection of Lawnmarket and George IV Bridge, on the left when traveling west on Lawnmarket. This marker is on the same street as St Giles Cathedral, at the first intersection traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1RN, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Scotland’s Edinburgh & the Lothians.

Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

on the Celtic Fringe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Lawnmarket Wellhead (a few steps from this marker); Deacon Brodie’s (within shouting distance of this marker); Advocate's Close (within shouting distance of this marker); James Braidwood (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Alexander & Bucephalus (about 150 meters away); Lodging of Sir Simon Preston (about 150 meters away); Adam Smith (about 150 meters away); Edinburgh Municipal Building (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edinburgh.

Regarding Site of the Last Public Execution in Edinburgh.

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The brass plates are visible on Google Earth.

Also see . . .
1. The Last Public Execution in Edinburgh (C.A. Asbrey). (Submitted on June 18, 2025, by Judith Elizabeth Pearson of Burke, Virginia.)
2. The Ratho Murderer - Edinburgh’s last public execution (Youtube, 0:09). Very short video showing the site of the execution. (Submitted on June 18, 2025.)

Additional keywords. murderers, criminals, crimes

Photographed by Judith Elizabeth Pearson, May 28, 2025

2. Site of the Last Public Execution in Edinburgh Marker

The three brass plates on the sidewalk in front of the marker indicate where the gallows stood.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2025, by Judith Elizabeth Pearson of Burke, Virginia. This page has been viewed 978 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 17, 2025, by Judith Elizabeth Pearson of Burke, Virginia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.