Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All the United Kingdom Scotland Stirling The Bastion & Thieves Pot
AO Edited

The Bastion & Thieves Pot

Hidden in this modern shopping center is a relic of 16th-century capital punishment.

Stirling, Scotland

Added By
SEANETTA ALLSASS
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
Stockades.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The Bastion & Thieves Pot   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
‘Lady Justice’ replica.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The Bastion & Thieves Pot   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Thieves Pot.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Thieves Pot.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The Bastion & Thieves Pot   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The Bastion & Thieves Pot   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The Bastion & Thieves Pot   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The Bastion & Thieves Pot   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

Concealed in the recesses of the Thistles Shopping Centre lies the remnants of the town's dungeon.

Like many Scottish cities of this time period, there was a protective barrier, known as "The Burgh Wall," that surrounded the environs. The current shopping complex just happens to have been constructed over this ancient defensive structure. Descending an iron spiral staircase, visitors will find themselves in what was once a mid-1500's guard tower.

Visitors will also find various artifacts with written descriptions that retell the history of what was once the capital stronghold of the Scottish nation. These include a replica of "Lady Justice" that presided over the town's Tolbooth, stockades, and royal roundels that are displayed within Stirling Castle.

Not to be missed is the Thieves Pot, which is a glass-covered hole where prisoners were kept shackled for a variety of crimes. Along with these displays is an audio commentary provided by local ghost walk performer, David Kinnaird.

During the pre-Industrial Age, minors were sent to work in the Thieves Pot extracting metals.

Related Tags

History & Culture Crime And Punishment

Know Before You Go

Located near the western entrance, along Port Street. A spiral staircase will lead you down to the display. Unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible.

Entry is free, but only accessible when the mall is open. Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm and until 8:00 pm on Thursday. Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Atlas Obscura Adventures

Flavors of Scotland: Beyond the Haggis

Smoked seafood, single malt whisky, and warm hospitality.

Book Now

Community Contributors

Added By

SEANETTA

Published

June 4, 2021

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
The Bastion & Thieves Pot
17-21 Thistle Centre
Stirling, Scotland, FK8 2DL
United Kingdom
56.11772, -3.935439
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Wolf Craig

Stirling, Scotland

miles away

Cowane's Hospital

Stirling, Scotland

miles away

Mar's Wark

Stirling, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Stirling

Stirling

Scotland

Places 11

Nearby Places

Wolf Craig

Stirling, Scotland

miles away

Cowane's Hospital

Stirling, Scotland

miles away

Mar's Wark

Stirling, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Stirling

Stirling

Scotland

Places 11

Related Places

  • A man being tortured on a wooden horse (also called a Spanish donkey).

    Mdina, Malta

    Mdina Dungeons Museum

    See Malta’s history through the recreation of scenes of torture using life-sized mannequins in a former medieval dungeon.

  • Mounting Block.

    York, England

    York Tyburn

    After public executions took place at this location, attendants would also attend a local horse race.

  • The temple and the tree at the square.

    Pune, India

    The Historical Center of Pune

    An unassuming residential square in the oldest area of Pune is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited part of the city.

  • Night view of the palace with Kathmandu’s famous giant fruit bats flying overhead.

    Kathmandu, Nepal

    Narayanhiti Palace Museum Massacre Site

    The courtyard of this palace was the site of the worst slaughter of sitting royals in recorded history.

  • The history of Jonesborough is rooted in storytelling.

    Jonesborough, Tennessee

    International Storytelling Center

    A visionary oral narration project brought new life to Jonesborough.

  • Baltasar Bachero tile mosaic

    Madrid, Spain

    Baltasar Bachero Tile Mosaic

    Baltasar Bachero became a hero after he saved the lives of two children nearly run over by an out-of-control mule-drawn carriage.

  • Chocolate Orange

    York, England

    Terry's Chocolate Orange Sculpture

    A unique tribute to the chocolatey past that helped shape one British city.

  • Savannah, Georgia

    WEBB Military Museum

    At this privately owned collection, conflicts are humanized through soldiers’ personal belongings.

    Sponsored by Visit Savannah
Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.