Deacon Brodie's Ghostly Procession
Castle Hill and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh are home to a rather unusual ghostly sighting. Deacon Brodie is said to haunt this area, often seen walking while carrying a lantern. He's not alone though - a coach pulled by a team of black horses, which sometimes breathe fire, is also reportedly seen starting its journey from here before travelling along the Royal Mile. The coach is said to be filled with people dressed in black garb. Another phantom, General Dalzell, is also known to ride the same route, but on a white horse.
The story of Deacon Brodie's haunting is tied to the history of Edinburgh's Old Town. Deacon Brodie was a real person, a cabinetmaker and a respected member of the community, but he also led a life of crime. His ghostly procession is said to be a punishment for his wrongdoings. The sightings of Brodie and the coach have been reported by numerous people over the years, with some claiming to have seen the ghostly entourage on multiple occasions. While there's no concrete evidence to prove the existence of ghosts, these stories have become an integral part of Edinburgh's paranormal folklore.
Deacon Brodie lived in the 18th century and was known for his dual life as a respected craftsman and a thief.
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Deacon Brodie's Ghostly Haunt
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Deacon Brodie's Tavern stands on the Royal Mile, a hub of Edinburgh's Old Town, where the infamous Deacon William Brodie once operated. By day, he was a respected citizen, but under the cover of darkness, he led a life of crime, eventually meeting his demise by hanging in 1788. His ghost is said to haunt the tavern, and witnesses claim to have seen him swiftly crossing the road to Brodie's Close, a narrow alleyway that now bears his name. This eerie apparition is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, who are drawn to the tavern in search of a paranormal encounter.
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Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Castle Hill and Royal Mile
