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Built by carpenter Archibald Chessel as his own residence, c.1748, this is one of the finest buildings in the old burgh of Canongate. It was described in the 1760s as "Clark's Hotel for the reception of the nobility and gentry". In 1769 it became the Excise Office and was the scene of a burglary masterminded by Deacon Brodie, a respected town councillor, on 5 March, 1788. The plan was foiled when an Exciseman returned unexpectedly, causing the thieves to flee in panic. The trail led to Brodie and three accomplices. After attempting to escape to Holland, Brodie was apprehended, tried and executed. By the 20th century the building was used as flats and contained a charitable children's nursery. Renovated by the Edinburgh Corporation in 1963-4, it is now used by the University as flats.