Edinburgh’s Dark History: Mercat Cross

The Gathering at Mercat Cross

At the top of Mary King’s Close lay the historic Mercat Cross, a crucial meeting point for the 17th-century residents. Here, news was exchanged, business deals were struck, and the dark side of justice was brutally displayed. The cries of the tortured echoed through the narrow streets, as punishment was meted out for all to witness.

Justice Served: Public Punishment

During this era, punishment was a public spectacle, drawing crowds from across the city. Mercat Cross was notorious for its severe forms of justice, which included hangings, burnings, and horrific hot lead crowns. Amputations of fingers, toes, and other appendages were also common, serving as both retribution and a stark warning to others. The gruesome events weren’t confined to Mercat Cross alone; nearby gallows at the Old Tolbooth, further up the Royal Mile, and down into the Grassmarket, all served as stages for Edinburgh’s brutal justice system.

The Maiden: A Tool of Terror

Between 1564 and 1710, over 150 individuals met their end at Mercat Cross, courtesy of a fearsome device known as The Maiden. This giant guillotine, standing at an imposing three meters tall, was constructed primarily from oak, featuring an iron blade with a lead weight. The Maiden was designed for mobility, allowing it to be transported across the city to various execution sites. Unlike the messy and imprecise beheadings by axe, The Maiden offered a cleaner and more predictable means of execution, making it a darkly celebrated tool of the time.

The Maiden’s Legacy

Today, The Maiden can still be seen at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, standing as a chilling reminder of Edinburgh’s grim past. Its history is intertwined with notable figures, including James Douglas, a politician who procured the guillotine and later became one of its victims. Douglas played a significant role in the overthrow of Mary Queen of Scots, yet his own execution by The Maiden in 1581 was for crimes against her husband, not the queen herself.

Explore Edinburgh’s Dark Past with Our True Crime Tour

For those intrigued by the darker side of history, our True Crime Tour offers a deep dive into Edinburgh’s grim legacy of crime and punishment. Walk in the footsteps of the accused, betrayed, and murdered as we recount the true stories that shaped the city’s past. Every case discussed is thoroughly researched to ensure historical accuracy, providing a hauntingly realistic experience.

Join us if you dare—our True Crime Tours are reserved for the bravest souls and are strictly for guests over 18.

Available every Friday and Saturday in August, and daily around Halloween, this tour is not for the faint of heart.

Book your place on the True Crime Tour and uncover the dark secrets that lie beneath the cobbled streets of Edinburgh.