The Witches’ Well
A haunting reminder of one of Scotland's darkest periods and Edinburgh's tragic witch trials.
Read StoryTake a Walk on the Dark Side. Discover forgotten stories, supernatural legends, folklore, mysteries and hidden history from Edinburgh and Scotland.
Explore some of Edinburgh's most fascinating stories, hidden mysteries and forgotten legends.
A haunting reminder of one of Scotland's darkest periods and Edinburgh's tragic witch trials.
Read StoryA grisly archaeological discovery beneath the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.
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Read StorySeptember 11, 2019
Few visitors approaching Edinburgh Castle across the Esplanade are aware they are walking across the site of one of the darkest periods of Scottish history. Part thanks to King James VI's pathological fear of witchcraft, hundreds of people – mostly women – suffered persecution and execution during Scotland's witch trials.
September 8, 2019
In 1820, excavations by the Well House Tower at the base of Castle Rock uncovered a grisly discovery. Edinburgh lawyer, artist and friend of Sir Walter Scott, James Skene of Rubislaw, later documented the remarkable find in historical records.