Mercat Cross Death List
Standing tall in Edinburgh's historic High Street, Mercat Cross has borne witness to centuries of the city's turbulent past. On a fateful day in September 1513, a chilling voice - allegedly that of the Devil or a demon named Plotcock, Platcock or Potcock - echoed through the area, calling out the names of men destined to die in the Battle of Flodden, a tragedy that would unfold the following day. The ominous pronouncements sent shockwaves through the crowd, but one man, Richard Lawson, took action, throwing a coin against the cross and appealing against the judgement in the name of God and Jesus. Miraculously, Lawson would be the only named person to survive the carnage.
The events surrounding the Mercat Cross haunting are deeply rooted in Scotland's history. On September 9, 1513, during the Wars of Scottish Independence, King James IV of Scotland led an army into England, sparking a conflict that would culminate in the Battle of Flodden. This disastrous defeat for the Scots resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, including many prominent nobles and soldiers. The voice at Mercat Cross, whether a genuine paranormal occurrence or a clever ruse, seemed to foretell the tragedy, leaving an indelible mark on Edinburgh's folklore. While the exact nature of the voice remains a mystery, the story has become an integral part of Scotland's rich cultural heritage.
The haunting is linked to the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Battle of Flodden, a pivotal event in Scottish history.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Lost Piper of Edinburgh
Roads close to St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh
Deep beneath the streets of Edinburgh's Old Town, a mysterious piper has been heard playing his tunes for centuries. The sound of his piping has been reported to emanate from the tunnels running under St Giles' Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that has stood the test of time. It's said that a piper was once sent to investigate these very tunnels, but he became lost in the labyrinthine passages, leaving behind only the faint sound of his pipes. Locals and visitors alike have reported hearing the eerie melody drifting up from the ground, a haunting reminder of the piper's fate.
Edinburgh Cathedral Mysterious Blows
Cathedral, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Cathedral, a place of worship for centuries, has a darker side to its history. A woman visiting the cathedral felt three sharp blows to the back of her neck but was unable to see anything which may have caused the strikes. She spoke to a worker at the cathedral who told her that the blows had been reported previously, and that the person had later received bad news. Sure enough, the woman later discovered that her son had died in an accident which had occurred at the same time as the blows had been felt. This chilling incident has left many wondering if the cathedral is haunted by a malevolent spirit.
Mary King's Close Hauntings
Mary King's Close, Edinburgh
Deep beneath the City Chambers in Edinburgh's Old Town lies Mary King's Close, a labyrinthine network of alleyways and dwellings that once bustled with life. This eerie underground world is said to be haunted by the restless spirits of former residents, including women, children, and old men, as well as animals. For over 350 years, people have reported strange sightings and unexplained occurrences in this area. In recent times, ghost hunters have captured evidence of a ghostly little girl and an 'impish' young boy, adding to the Close's reputation as one of Scotland's most haunted locations.
Fraser Suites Basement Haunting
Fraser Suites, Edinburgh
Deep beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh, in the basement of Fraser Suites, a strange phenomenon has been reported by staff. They've heard unexplained bangs and noises, which seem to emanate from a specific area. This spot remains persistently cold, regardless of the outside temperature. It's as if a chill has settled in, refusing to budge. The hotel's basement, usually a hub of activity for staff and maintenance, has become a focal point for paranormal interest.
Deacon Brodie's Ghostly Haunt
Deacon Brodie's Tavern and Brodie's Close, Edinburgh
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.
The Kind Spirit of Alice
The Howard Hotel, Edinburgh
The Howard Hotel on Great King Street in Edinburgh is home to a very special spirit named Alice. This kind ghost has been known to visit guests and staff, leaving them feeling calm and at ease. While there's no record of when these visitations occur, one thing is certain - Alice's presence is a gentle one. Guests and visitors have all reported feeling a sense of peace after encountering her, making her a welcome presence in this Edinburgh hotel.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Mercat Cross
