On the north side of the narrow passageway that runs from Skinnergate to George Street a simple plaque indicates what is reputed to be the remains of the old city wall. There is debate on whether this claim is justified.
In the 19th century, plaques were sometimes put up based on less information than we would accept to-day. This is undoubtedly an old wall and may rest on the foundations of an even earlier wall which along with the lade, walls provided Perth’s main defence.
According to Thomas Hay Marshall the city walls were re-built by Edward I. After the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 Edward I destroyed the walls and fortification in most other Scottish towns. He considered Perth so important that instead of destroying its fortifications, he ordered that the fortifications and the walls be re-built in the strongest possible manner. (Marshall T. H. The History of Perth : From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, 1849. p25)
The walls were in turn demolished by Robert the Bruce and then rebuilt by Edward III (1312-1377).
The walls were seen as a defence against marauding highlanders but later demolished in a piece meal fashion. It was thought they had been largely demolished by 1760. (Duncan J., Lost Perth, 2011. p137)
