Among Edinburgh’s famous landmarks, the Edinburgh Vaults are a testament to the city’s intriguing past.
In this article, we dive into the rich history of the Edinburgh Vaults.
We will explore their origins, purpose, and the tales surrounding these underground chambers.
The Genesis of the Edinburgh Vaults
Under the busy streets of Edinburgh, there’s a hidden place from the 1700s called the Edinburgh Vaults.
At first, people made these rooms under the South Bridge for businesses like taverns and workshops.
But their destiny took a turn, leading them down a path of mystery and intrigue.
The Edinburgh Vaults are open today but only accessible through guided tours. So we recommend booking an Edinburgh Vaults guided tour in advance to secure your spot.
The Unexpected Transformation
Over time, the Edinburgh Vaults changed from their initial purpose of being used for businesses.
Due to the increasing city population and worsening living conditions, the vaults became homes for those needing help.
Once full of barrels and tools, the dark rooms became a safe place for families and individuals seeking shelter from the difficult life above ground.
A Haven for Unlawful Activities
The 18th-century Edinburgh Vaults, with their concealed nooks and crannies, became a haven for illicit activities.
Stories of smugglers and thieves seeking shelter in these underground chambers added to the mystery of the vaults.
It is said that the complex layout of the vaults made them an ideal location for those looking to engage in less-than-legal pursuits.
Further, they were also hiding the underground world in secrecy.
Paranormal Whispers: Edinburgh Vaults and the Supernatural
The Edinburgh Vaults have stories about spooky things.
People have reported seeing or hearing strange things there, such as stories about Mr. Boots.
This has made the underground chambers popular for ghostbusters and those who enjoy mysterious stories.
The vaults have become a place where actual events mix with tales that might not be entirely true.
Rediscovery and Preservation
The 1980s marked a turning point for the Edinburgh Vaults as they were rediscovered and brought back into the public eye.
The restoration and preservation process began for these vaults.
It was for showcasing this hidden facet of Edinburgh’s history.
You can also unravel the layers of stories that the vaults hold within their damp walls.
Today, guided tours take visitors through these dimly lit passageways.
There are multiple guided tours available for visiting the Edinburgh Vaults. We’ve curated an assortment of the best guided tours for Edinburgh Vaults for you!
Exploring the Edinburgh Vaults Today
Visitors to Edinburgh can now go on a journey through time by exploring the Edinburgh Vaults.
Guided tours tell the tales of those who took refuge in the underground chambers and the secrets of these vaulted arches.
While the Edinburgh Vaults have shed their dark and mysterious reputation to some extent, the mystery remains.
The restoration efforts have preserved these underground chambers and opened a window to the past.
The damp walls, worn cobblestones, and remains of the past are a link to the history that unfolded within Edinburgh.
FAQs
What are the Edinburgh Vaults?
The Edinburgh Vaults are a series of chambers and tunnels beneath the South Bridge in Edinburgh, Scotland. Built in the late 18th century, they were initially used for storage by businesses and merchants.
Over time, the Vaults gained historical significance and became associated with various mundane and mysterious events.
When were the Edinburgh Vaults built?
Construction of the Edinburgh Vaults began in the late 1700s, specifically in 1788. The purpose of building them was to provide storage space for businesses and merchants in the growing city of Edinburgh.
The arches of the South Bridge were used to create a series of underground chambers, forming what is now known as the Edinburgh Vaults.
Why were the Edinburgh Vaults built underground?
The Edinburgh Vaults were built underground for businesses and merchants. The expanding city and the shortage of storage also made their construction necessary.
What is the paranormal history of the Edinburgh Vaults?
The Edinburgh Vaults have gained a reputation for being haunted, with numerous reports of paranormal activities.
Stories include sightings of apparitions, mysterious sounds, and unexplained phenomena.
The Vaults’ association with the city’s darker history, including the Burke and Hare murders, contributes to the belief in supernatural occurrences within the underground chambers.
How were the Edinburgh Vaults used throughout history?
Throughout their history, the Edinburgh Vaults served various purposes. Initially used for storage, the Vaults became home to businesses, workshops, and illicit activities.
They were also rumored to have housed the city’s impoverished population.
Over time, the Vaults fell into disuse and were abandoned before gaining renewed interest as a historical and tourist attraction.
Are the Edinburgh Vaults open to the public?
Yes, the Edinburgh Vaults are open to the public. You can only enter the vaults if you’ve booked a guided tour.
We suggest booking a tour in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.
