A Dean of Guild, under Scots law, was a burgh magistrate who, in later years, had the care of buildings.
Originally, the post was held by the head of the Guild brethren of Scottish towns, and dates back to the 12th century. Later, the phrase Dean of Guild also described the courts set up in the 14th century to settle trade disputes. In the 19th century they became responsible for enforcing the burgh's building regulations, a role that was abolished in the mid 20th century.
This should not be confused with the Dean of a guild, the head of such association.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Wood, James, ed. (1907). "article name needed". The Nuttall Encyclopædia. London and New York: Frederick Warne.
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