Edinburgh: Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour

Edinburgh’s Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the city’s sinister past. Delving into the macabre underbelly of the picturesque Scottish capital, the tour reveals tales of notorious murderers, grave robbers, and grisly public executions. From haunting landmarks like the Canongate Gallows to the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard, where the echoes of the past still linger, this chilling experience provides a fascinating insight into Edinburgh’s most infamous citizens and their nefarious deeds. Whether you’re a history buff or simply intrigued by the darker side of the city, this walking tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Explore the grisly history of executions, body snatching, and witchcraft that occurred along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
• Visit haunting sites like the Canongate Gallows, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the Witch’s Well, which bear witness to the city’s macabre past.
• Learn about notorious figures like Deacon Brodie, Burke and Hare, and Sawney Bean who committed heinous crimes and left an indelible mark on Edinburgh.
• Explore the unsettling legacies of the Plague, public hangings, and the disposal of human waste that plagued the city’s history.
• Discover hidden gems like the Brass Rubbing Centre and the Writers’ Museum that offer a glimpse into the darker aspects of Edinburgh’s heritage.

The Notorious Past of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s notorious past is often whispered about, with tales of murderers, thieves, and other nefarious characters prowling the city’s historic streets.

The Royal Mile, in particular, has witnessed its fair share of dark and unsavory events throughout the centuries. From the grizzly executions carried out at the Tolbooth to the chilling stories of body snatchers and grave robbers, Edinburgh’s history is steeped in the macabre.

Visitors can even explore the Canongate Graveyard, where ghostly apparitions are said to haunt the tombstones. As the tour winds through the city’s hidden alleyways and shadowy corners, travelers will uncover the sinister underbelly of this otherwise picturesque Scottish capital.

Hidden Gems in Old Town

As the tour explores the darker side of Edinburgh’s history, it also uncovers hidden gems scattered throughout the charming Old Town.

Tucked between towering medieval buildings and winding alleyways, these lesser-known landmarks offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage, from the atmospheric Canongate Graveyard to the intriguing Magdalen Chapel.

Along the way, visitors will discover:

• The Witch’s Well, a memorial to the hundreds of alleged witches who were executed in Edinburgh
• The Brass Rubbing Centre, where guests can create their own medieval-inspired brass rubbings
• The Closes, narrow passageways that were once vibrant hubs of commerce and community
• The Writers’ Museum, celebrating the lives and works of renowned Scottish authors
• The John Knox House, a well-preserved example of 16th-century architecture.

Landmarks With Sinister Histories

While the Old Town of Edinburgh boasts an abundance of architectural gems, many of these landmarks conceal sinister histories that have become intertwined with the city’s past.

From the grisly executions that took place at the infamous Canongate Gallows to the eerie tales of supernatural activity haunting Greyfriars Kirkyard, these sites bear witness to Edinburgh’s darker chronicles.

The Royal Mile itself is steeped in macabre stories, with the Grassmarket serving as the site of numerous public hangings.

Even the majestic Edinburgh Castle has a sinister side, with tales of torture and imprisonment echoing through its ancient walls.

Delving into these dark histories offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s captivating, yet unsettling, past.

Ghosts and Graveyards of Canongate

Amidst the historic grandeur of Canongate, the Canongate Graveyard stands as a haunting testament to Edinburgh’s macabre past. Visitors to this eerie necropolis are often captivated by the whispers of ghostly presences, as the tombstones and crumbling mausoleums conceal the remnants of a bygone era marked by grim tales of execution, disease, and the supernatural.

The grave of Deacon Brodie, a respected cabinet-maker by day and notorious burglar by night, whose double life inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.’

The unmarked resting place of the victims of the infamous body snatchers, Burke and Hare, whose grisly murders shocked the city.

Haunting echoes of the Plague’s ravages, as the graveyard serves as the final resting place for countless souls lost to the disease.

Murderers, Thieves, and Cannibals

Edinburgh’s dark history is replete with tales of notorious criminals who preyed upon the city’s unsuspecting citizens, from cold-blooded murderers to skilled thieves and even alleged cannibals.

One of the most infamous was Deacon Brodie, a respected cabinetmaker by day and a burglar by night. Brodie’s double life was eventually exposed, leading to his execution in 1788.

Another chilling figure was the infamous duo of William Hare and William Burke, who murdered and sold the bodies of their victims to anatomists for medical research. The gruesome killings, known as the Burke and Hare murders, shocked the city and sparked public outrage.

Edinburgh’s past is stained with the deeds of such sinister figures, a testament to the darkness that can lurk within the human heart.

Hangings, Decapitations, and Witchcraft

Executions by hanging and decapitation weren’t uncommon in Edinburgh’s grisly past, with many meeting their demise at the city’s infamous public gallows. Locals and visitors alike would gather to witness these macabre spectacles, some even collecting relics from the executed as grim souvenirs.

The city’s history is also marred by the persecution of alleged witches, who were often brutally tortured before being burned at the stake or drowned in the very waters they were accused of polluting.

Some of Edinburgh’s most notorious executions and witch trials include:

• The public hanging of murderer Deacon Brodie in 1788
• The decapitation of Jacobite leader Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat in 1747
• The drowning of so-called ‘witch’ Lilias Adie in 1704
• The burning of alleged witch Isobel Gowdie in 1662
• The execution of ‘Witch of Monans’ Janet Horne in 1727

The Plague and Human Waste

The Plague ravaged Edinburgh for decades, leaving a devastating trail of death and despair in its wake. Rotting corpses overflowed the city’s graveyards, forcing authorities to dispose of the remains in crude and unsanitary ways.

Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of human waste, residents resorted to simply tossing their chamber pots out of windows, creating a literal river of filth that flowed through the streets. The unhygienic conditions only exacerbated the spread of disease, as the unrelenting stench and squalor became a breeding ground for bacteria and vermin.

Edinburgh’s Dark History tour sheds light on these grim realities, offering a harrowing glimpse into the city’s past and the struggles of its people to survive the devastating Plague.

Edinburgh’s Most Infamous Citizens

Amidst the city’s harrowing past, Edinburgh has produced some of history’s most notorious individuals, whose infamy continues to captivate visitors today. From sadistic serial killers to cunning con artists, the city’s dark underbelly has spawned a cast of characters that would make even the bravest soul shudder.

Burke and Hare, the infamous ‘body snatchers‘ who murdered unsuspecting victims to sell their corpses for medical research.

Deacon Brodie, a respected furniture maker by day and a burglar and gambler by night, whose double life inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’.

Sawney Bean, the legendary cannibal patriarch who, along with his inbred clan, preyed on unsuspecting travelers for over 25 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

Children can participate in the tour, though the content may not be suitable for all minors. The tour covers mature historical themes and may not be appropriate for young children. Parental discretion is advised.

Is Audio Equipment Provided for the Tour?

No, audio equipment is not provided for this tour. Participants listen to the live guide’s narration during the 2-hour walking tour. Guests are encouraged to ask questions throughout the experience to fully engage with the tour’s captivating content.

Does the Tour Include Transportation to the Starting Point?

The tour does not include transportation to the starting point. Participants are responsible for making their own way to the meeting location along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not appear to have any age restrictions. Guests of all ages are welcome to participate, though the content may not be suitable for young children due to the dark, historical nature of the guided walk.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. Operators often offer private tour options that allow groups to personalize the experience to their interests and needs, such as adjusting the itinerary or adding special features.

Recap

Edinburgh’s Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour is a captivating journey through the city’s sinister past.

Visitors will uncover haunting landmarks, gruesome tales of murder and execution, and the lingering echoes of the city’s notorious residents.

This chilling yet fascinating exploration leaves a lasting impression, offering a glimpse into the dark underbelly of the picturesque Scottish capital.