A History of Witchcraft in Edinburgh: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Edinburgh’s dark history as the site of some of Scotland’s most notorious witch trials has captivated the imagination of many. From the 16th to 18th centuries, the city saw mass hysteria, high-profile trials, and public executions that left an indelible mark on its legacy. Set out on a self-guided audio tour to uncover the haunting tales of the Wizard of West Bow, the Mercat Cross where witches met their fate, and the hidden Witches’ Well – a solemn memorial for the wrongfully accused. Explore this chilling chapter of Edinburgh’s past and discover the lasting impact of the witch trials that continue to shape the city’s identity.

Quick Points

• Explore Edinburgh’s dark witchcraft history through a self-guided audio tour, featuring notable trials, public executions, and haunted sites associated with the witch hunts.
• Learn about the Mercat Cross executions, where over 70 accused witches were executed between 1661 and 1662, as a symbol of state-sanctioned terror.
• Discover the legend of the Wizard of West Bow, a figure tied to local folklore and superstition, with his rumored powers and mysterious disappearance.
• Visit haunted sites, such as the Covenanter’s Prison and the Witches’ Well, where the weight of Edinburgh’s witchcraft history can be experienced through the city’s haunted landscapes.
• Examine the connection between the infamous serial killers Burke and Hare and the city’s dark medical history, highlighting the exploitation and murder for profit during this period.

Edinburgh’s Witchcraft Legacy

Although Edinburgh’s history is steeped in rich cultural traditions, it also bears the dark legacy of the city’s notorious witch trials.

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, hundreds of individuals, predominantly women, were accused, tortured, and executed for alleged witchcraft. The trials were fueled by religious fervor and societal fears, leading to a climate of suspicion and persecution.

Sites like Castlehill and Calton Hill still bear witness to this tragic history, where accused witches were hanged or burned at the stake.

Today, Edinburgh’s dark witchcraft past serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of intolerance and the importance of protecting civil liberties.

Notorious Witch Trials

During the 16th and 18th centuries, Edinburgh witnessed a dark and disturbing chapter in its history, marked by the notorious witch trials. Hundreds of individuals, predominantly women, were accused, tortured, and executed on charges of witchcraft. The trials were fueled by religious fervor, political tensions, and societal fears.

Infamous Trials	Key Figures	Outcomes
The North Berwick Witch Trials (1590-1592)	King James VI	70 accused, 15 executed
The Demonology Trials (1661-1662)	Chief Justice Sir John Gilmour	300 accused, 79 executed
The Paisley Witch Trials (1697-1698)	Lord Advocate Sir James Stewart	17 accused, 7 executed

These dark events left a lasting impact on Edinburgh’s history and the collective psyche of its people.

The Mercat Cross Executions

The brutal witch trials weren’t confined to isolated incidents; the persecution of alleged witches reached its climax at the very heart of Edinburgh – the Mercat Cross.

Between 1661 and 1662, over 70 so-called witches were summarily executed there, their bodies dangling from the gallows as a grim spectacle.

The executions were overseen by the Privy Council, the highest governing body in Scotland at the time, reflecting the state’s complicity in these atrocities.

The Mercat Cross became a symbol of the state-sanctioned terror that swept through Edinburgh, leaving a dark stain on the city’s history that still resonates today.

Tales of the Wizard of West Bow

Tales of the Wizard of West Bow take us back to a time when magic and superstition were woven into the fabric of Edinburgh.

This enigmatic figure, whose true identity remains shrouded in mystery, was said to possess extraordinary powers that both captivated and terrified the local populace.

Three notable tales about the Wizard of West Bow:

1. The Wizard’s Prophecy: Rumor has it he could see into the future, accurately predicting events that would later come to pass.

2. The Wizard’s Curse: Those who crossed him were said to face dire consequences, often falling victim to unexplained misfortunes.

3. The Wizard’s Disappearance: One day, the Wizard simply vanished, leaving behind a legacy of wonder and speculation that endures to this day.

Haunted Sites of Witchcraft

As the legacy of the enigmatic Wizard of West Bow fades into the mists of Edinburgh’s past, the city’s haunted sites of witchcraft come into sharper focus.

From the eerie closes of the Old Town to the shadowy cemeteries, whispers of sorcery and dark rituals linger.

The Covenanter’s Prison, where accused witches were once held, is said to be haunted by their restless spirits.

Nearby, the Witches’ Well commemorates those who were burned at the stake.

Visitors can feel the weight of history as they trace the steps of these unfortunate souls, their stories etched into the very fabric of Edinburgh’s haunted landscape.

The Burke and Hare Connection

Burke and Hare were infamous for their gruesome crimes in 19th-century Edinburgh. The serial killers collaborated to sell the bodies of their victims to anatomist Robert Knox for use in his medical lectures.

Their victims included:

1. An elderly woman who was smothered in her bed.
2. A young woman who was lured to her death with the promise of a job.
3. A mentally disabled man who was killed for his paltry savings.

This dark chapter in Edinburgh’s history highlights the macabre connections between the medical hotel, grave robbers, and those willing to resort to murder for profit.

Witch Artifacts and Curiosities

Stepping away from the harrowing tales of Burke and Hare’s crimes, the tour explores the lesser-known artifacts and curiosities associated with Edinburgh’s long history of witchcraft.

Visitors learn about the "witches’ marks" found on the walls of the Tron Kirk, believed to be protective symbols carved by accused witches.

The tour also examines the Witches’ Well, a memorial to those executed for witchcraft, and the occult items on display at the Museum of Childhood.

Participants gain a deeper understanding of the superstitions and paranoia that fueled the city’s witch hunts, while also witnessing the remnants of a dark period that still haunt the streets of Edinburgh.

Self-Guided Tour Highlights

The self-guided audio tour of Edinburgh’s dark witchcraft history takes participants on an engaging journey through the city’s most haunting landmarks.

The tour begins outside the Palace of Holyrood, where listeners uncover the gruesome tale of the "North Berwick Witches."

Three highlights of the experience include:

1. Exploring the eerie Flodden Wall, a structure that once protected the city from witches and other supernatural forces.

2. Climbing the steps of Castle Hill to the Esplanade, where visitors learn about the execution of alleged witches on Castlehill.

3. Discovering the hidden Witches’ Well, a memorial to those who were wrongfully accused and executed during the Scottish witchcraft trials.

Since You Asked

Can I Start and Stop the Tour Whenever I Want?

Yes, one can start, pause, and restart the tour at any time. The self-guided audio tour format allows travelers to enjoy the experience at their own pace and convenience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not explicitly advertised as suitable for children. Since it covers the history of witchcraft, which may include sensitive content, parental discretion is advised. Travelers should consider their child’s maturity level before booking the tour.

How Long Does the Tour Take to Complete?

The tour typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It’s a self-guided audio experience that allows travelers to start, pause, or restart at any time during the tour’s availability.

Can I Buy Souvenirs Related to the Tour?

The tour does not provide any option to purchase souvenirs. It’s a self-guided audio tour that can be accessed through the VoiceMap app, and there are no physical items or memorabilia available for purchase related to the tour.

Is There a Recommended Time of Day to Take the Tour?

The tour is available 24/7, so there’s no recommended time of day to take it. However, some travelers may prefer earlier or later hours to avoid crowds and enjoy the tour at a more leisurely pace.

The Final Verdict

Edinburgh’s dark legacy of witchcraft has left an indelible mark on the city’s history. From the grisly executions at the Mercat Cross to the haunting tales of the Wizard of West Bow, this audio tour offers a chilling glimpse into the trials and tribulations of those accused of sorcery. As visitors explore the city’s storied sites, they’ll uncover the fascinating, if unsettling, truth behind Edinburgh’s historic association with witchcraft.