Eric Melvin, a seasoned tour guide and author of *A Walk Down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile*, takes listeners on a thrilling journey through the dark history of Edinburgh's most famous street. He shares fascinating tales of body-snatching and the notorious Deacon Brodie. The discussion also uncovers the chilling legacy of infamous criminals like Burke and Hare, and highlights the eerie past of Edinburgh's medical practices. Prepare for spine-tingling stories set against the backdrop of Edinburgh's historical landmarks!
The Royal Mile showcases a rich tapestry of history, featuring infamous figures like Deacon Brodie and body snatcher William Burke.
Preservation efforts led by advocates like Sir Patrick Geddes have been crucial in maintaining Edinburgh's architectural heritage amid modernization.
Deep dives
The Historical Significance of the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile, a central thoroughfare in Edinburgh's old town, has deep historical roots dating back nearly 900 years. It stretches from the imposing Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood, showcasing a rich tapestry of stories involving royalty, crime, and political intrigue. This historical street is divided into four distinct sections, each with its own character and relevance, such as the Castle Hill and the Lawn Market, which was formerly a hub for the cloth trade. The well-preserved architecture, despite many demolitions in the 19th century, represents a conscious effort to maintain the city's historical essence amidst modernization.
Notorious Characters of the Royal Mile
Among the Royal Mile's infamous inhabitants was Deacon William Brodie, a respected furniture maker by day and a burglar by night who masterminded a series of high-profile robberies in 18th-century Edinburgh. Brodie's ability to blend in allowed him to create skeleton keys for homes, leading to numerous thefts over a period of time until he was ultimately caught. His life inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', illustrating the dichotomy of his public versus private persona. Similarly, the story of William Burke demonstrates the grim realities of the past, as this body snatcher turned murderer exploited the high demand for cadavers in the burgeoning medical schools of the city.
Cultural and Architectural Preservation Efforts
Edinburgh's architectural landscape was threatened by systematic demolitions in the 19th century, leading to significant loss of historical buildings until preservation advocates like Sir Patrick Geddes intervened. His campaigns highlighted the importance of preserving the city's history, which eventually led to the conservation of significant properties such as Gladstone's Land. This historical tenement offers insights into the commerce and community life of Edinburgh throughout the centuries. The continued efforts of organizations like the National Trust for Scotland play a crucial role in safeguarding such heritage, allowing future generations to appreciate the city's rich historical narrative.
As the Edinburgh Festival Fringe gets into full swing, Jackie Bird takes a walk from Gladstone’s Land along the Royal Mile to discover the dark side of this city centre street.
Guiding Jackie through the murky past is Eric Melvin, veteran tour guide and author of A Walk Down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Expect tales of body-snatching, the exploits of Deacon Brodie, and rumoured Jacobite-era cannonball scars.
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Or listen to our previous episode set at Gladstone’s Land, all about 300 years of the plague. Just scroll back through your podcast feed.