The Resting Giant of Arthur's Seat
Arthur's Seat, that ancient volcanic hill in the heart of Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, holds a curious secret. Locals tell the tale of a passing giant who, weary from his travels, chose this spot to rest. The story goes that in 1836, a group of schoolboys stumbled upon seventeen tiny coffins hidden away in the rocky outcrop. Each coffin contained a small carved figure, but their purpose remains a mystery to this day. Was this a prank gone wrong or something more sinister? The truth, much like the giant's identity, remains lost to the ages.
Historical records confirm that the seventeen tiny coffins were indeed discovered in 1836. While we can't pinpoint the exact date or time of this event, it's clear that this find has contributed significantly to the local folklore. The fact that multiple witnesses, in this case, the group of schoolboys, came across these coffins lends credibility to the story. What we're left with is a haunting that continues to capture the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The legend of the resting giant has become an integral part of Edinburgh's rich history and cultural heritage.
The discovery of the 17 coffins in 1836 contributed to local folklore.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Giant's Home Haunting
Edin's Fort, Preston
Edin's Fort, a sprawling ruin in Preston, Lowlands, is said to be the former lair of the fearsome Red Ettin, a giant with three heads. Legend has it that this fearsome creature was finally bested by a clever lad who managed to solve the giant's supposedly unanswerable riddles. The story of Red Ettin has been passed down through the ages, captivating locals and visitors alike with its mix of myth and history.
Royal Palace Ghosts
Holyrood House Palace, Edinburgh
Holyrood House Palace in Edinburgh is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Mary Queen of Scots, her husband Lord Darnley, and her private secretary David Rizzio. Rizzio's death was particularly brutal - he was stabbed 56 times by Lord Darnley and a group of Scottish lords in 1566. The outer door of the Queen's apartments is still stained with Rizzio's blood, which legend has it will not wash away. This gruesome event has left a lasting impact on the palace, with many reporting paranormal activity.
Hopetoun House Ghostly Coachman
Hopetoun House, Edinburgh
Hopetoun House, a grand country estate in the Lowlands near Edinburgh, is said to be home to a number of phantom residents. Among them is the ghost of a former coachman, reportedly seen in the restaurant, which was once the stables. This eerie apparition is joined by another mysterious figure, spotted in the staff toilet. The exact nature of these ghostly encounters is unclear, but they add to the estate's reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.
The Lady in White of Lymphoy House
Lymphoy House, Edinburgh
Lymphoy House in Edinburgh's Lowlands is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman in white. This phantom is believed to be the wife of a soldier who met a tragic end on the steps of his parents' house. According to local legend, the soldier's parents refused to let their daughter-in-law into their home, and she died shortly after on the very steps. Her spirit is thought to still roam the grounds of Lymphoy House, a haunting presence that has been reported by numerous people over the years.
The Rolling Barrel Haunting
Grange House, Edinburgh
Grange House in Edinburgh's Lowlands area was once home to a rather unusual paranormal phenomenon. The sounds of a barrel being rolled around the building were reported by occupants and visitors alike. The strange noises were said to be quite loud and clear, yet upon investigation, no barrel or any other item that could be causing the commotion could be found. It's a puzzling case that has left many to wonder about the cause of this unexplained occurrence.
The Figure in Black
Canongate, Edinburgh
Canongate in Edinburgh's historic Old Town has seen its fair share of ghostly encounters but one that still sends shivers down the spines of locals is the sighting of a tall figure in black. This apparition was spotted by a witness as they walked towards each other on this very street. The encounter took place back in the 1980s and what's particularly chilling is that the figure simply vanished when the two people reached touching distance. It's an experience that has left many questions unanswered.
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Haunted hotels and accommodation near Arthur's Seat
