Daylight Robbery

Allegedly the origin of the phrase came from the practise of blocking up windows to avoid taxation. In England and Wales a new tax was introduced whereby properties with more than ten windows paid more tax. In Scotland a similar tax was introduced in 1748, although only properties with more than six windows, or with a rent of more than £5 had to pay any tax. Although the window tax was replaced by other forms of taxation, the blanked out windows can still be seen across Edinburgh - painted black, or slabs of stone like here in the west end.