An Edinburgh Trade Dispute during the Commonwealth

Abstract

In 1636 the Superiorities of the Canongate fell into the hands of the city of Edinburgh. This meant that the barbers of the Canongate who had been free traders up until then came under the jurisdiction of the Surgeons and Barbers of the city of Edinburgh. The dispute concerned Robert Preist of Canongate who started operating as a barber within the city walls without permission. He was finally forced to move back to the Canongate in 1654 by order of George Monck who was a lieutenant of Oliver Cromwell.