Hidden beneath the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh are the Edinburgh Vaults.
These eerie chambers from the 18th century have seen years of scary and interesting stories.
Under the South Bridge, you can find various vault sections like Blair Street Vaults and Niddry Street Vaults.
Together, people know these vaults as Edinburgh Vaults.
This article covers seven interesting facts about the Vaults.
1. South Bridge Vaults: A Time Capsule Under the City
The South Bridge Vaults symbolize Edinburgh’s rich past.
These vaults were built in the 1700s for business purposes.
However, the city expanded with time, and these vaults were abandoned.
They’ve become a time capsule holding the relics of Edinburgh’s past.
The Edinburgh Vaults are a must-visit if you’re in Edinburgh. To visit these vaults, you must book a guided tour. Book one now!
2. Haunted Whispers at Niddry Street Vaults
Niddry Street Vaults are a favorite among ghost hunters.
They’re known for paranormal activities and sightings.
Tales of mysterious whispers and ghosts make these vaults an eerie experience.
Explorers navigate with caution when they’re touring this underground network.
3. The Underground Market at Blair Street Vaults
The Blair Street Vaults were once a bustling market.
They tell the story of the trade and commerce that flourished beneath the city streets.
These vaults had shops, taverns, and even an illegal distillery during the 18th century.
On a guided tour, you can see some preserved remains of Edinburgh’s underground market.
4. The Murderer Mary Mckinnon’s Story
Mary Mckinnon, who owned a tavern at the Edinburgh Vaults, slashed a customer named William Howat with her knife.
The story goes that William and his friends had been drinking in her brothel. As they left, the girls stopped them and asked to pay for their drinks.
They denied it and got into a fight. Mary, who was out then, got to know of this and returned.
To protect her girls, she knifed William, and he was severely injured.
He lived long enough to testify against Mary, which led to the sentence of death by hanging for Mary at the age of 28.
Her ghost is believed to haunt the vaults, and sometimes, people can hear shrill shrieks of her pleadings.
If the Edinburgh Vaults have caught your interest, we recommend you book a tour and experience these mysterious vaults. Book a tour in advance to avoid any hassle.
5. Bands at Edinburgh Vaults
For a brief period, the Edinburgh Vaults were also used by bands for rehearsals.
Many indie bands would use the chambers for their natural soundproofing and echo.
Interestingly, Kurt Cobain and Nirvana have also rehearsed in the vaults when they had a show in Edinburgh.
6. Edinburgh Vaults in Media
The fame of the Blair Street Underground Vaults extends to appearances on various TV shows and documentaries.
Shows like Abandoned Engineering, The Worst Jobs in History with Tony Robinson, Underground Britain, and more have covered them.
The newspapers have also published multiple articles about the vaults related to ghost sightings or any new developments.
FAQs
What is the historical significance of the Edinburgh Vaults?
The Edinburgh Vaults, located beneath the South Bridge, served as storage and workshops in the 18th century.
Over time, they gained notoriety for various uses, including illegal activities.
Are the Edinburgh Vaults haunted?
Many believe the Vaults are haunted, with reports of ghostly apparitions and eerie encounters.
Join a tour to explore both the historical and paranormal aspects.
How can I book a tour of the Edinburgh Vaults?
Booking a tour is easy; many tour operators offer online reservations. Ensure you secure your spot in advance to guarantee a captivating exploration of the Vaults.
What TV shows have featured the Blair Street Underground Vaults?
The Blair Street Vaults gained fame through appearances on TV shows like Abandoned Engineering, The Worst Jobs in History with Tony Robinson, and Underground Britain.
What are some must-see highlights inside the Edinburgh Vaults?
Explore intriguing features such as the Source Coven, Stone Circle, a torture exhibition, Mr. Boots, and remnants of shops and workshops, each revealing a unique aspect of the Vaults’ history.
