Venue Description

The People’s Story explores the lives of Edinburgh’s ordinary people at work and play from the late 18th century to today. Visitors can see displays showing a bookbinder’s workshop, a wartime kitchen and much more, all packed with real objects. You can even see a former jail, an original part of this historic building. The People’s Story is housed in the Canongate Tollbooth, a Royal Mile landmark built in 1591 and used in the past to conduct burgh affairs, collect taxes and as a jail. Visitors can imagine the ghostly rattle of the jailor’s keys as they peer into an original cell. If you want to experience a real slice of Edinburgh life in the past, from workdays to washdays, high days to holidays, The People’s Story is the museum to visit.

Accessibility

We welcome disabled visitors. Please ask a member if staff if you require assistance, they will be happy to help. There is an accessible unisex toilet in the entrance lobby area. Ground Floor: There is level access to the main entrance by a small ramp. The front door is kept open, however there is a glass door beyond this. The lobby is carpeted, but this changes to a small area of bumpy paving in one area of the ground floor. Beyond this there is carpet. There is a lift to 1st floor. 1st floor: This floor is accessible from the lift. 2nd floor and Video Room: These areas are accessible by stairs only. There are swing doors at the bottom of the stairs to the Video Room and another door at the top of the stairs.

Toilets

The accessible toilets are unisex and are located in the entrance lobby area.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.