Edinburgh is a city brimming with unique spots, many of which serve as historical witnesses and guardians of various secrets.
The Edinburgh Vaults certainly rank among its most enigmatic locations. These are a series of chambers nestled within the arches of Edinburgh’s South Bridge. You can find out more at edinburghname.com.
For around thirty years, these vaults were bustling with life, used as workshops for cobblers, storage spaces for merchants, and even as taverns.
However, time marches on, and with it came changes that also swept through the Edinburgh Vaults. Eventually, this place became increasingly associated with illicit activities. We’re talking about illegal gambling dens, underground whisky distilleries, and the like.
Rumours even circulated that criminals used the vaults to store the bodies of their victims.
Yet, despite their dark reputation, the Vaults remain a fascinating place, their history offering a glimpse into Edinburgh’s incredible past.
How It All Began
By the late eighteenth century, Edinburgh was experiencing significant growth. To accommodate this expansion, the city needed two new bridges: the North Bridge and the South Bridge.
Construction on the South Bridge began in the summer of 1785.
This structure was more than just a link between the Old Town and Southside; it was effectively Edinburgh’s first commercial street. A substantial amount of space was allocated for its construction. The bridge itself is a viaduct with nineteen arches. Only one of these was openly visible, while the other eighteen were hidden behind tenement buildings, specifically designed to create the atmosphere of a bustling commercial district.
Later, a series of additional levels were built within these hidden arches, necessary for their industrial use.
In total, approximately one hundred and twenty vaults or chambers were concealed beneath the South Bridge.
The bridge itself was officially opened on 1st March 1788.
Dreadful Conditions
The vaults didn’t remain in use as storage spaces for long.
The bridge had been built very quickly, and no protection against moisture was included on the surface. This oversight eventually led to the vaults flooding. Consequently, the spaces emptied, gradually transforming the vaults into slums. Numerous pubs and brothels became commonplace in the area.
The city’s poor also sought refuge in the vaults, turning them into their homes. The conditions there were truly appalling. Without electricity, people relied on lamps fueled by fish oil. There was no air circulation, meaning the terrible stench of waste made the place virtually uninhabitable.
Closure
The dreadful state of the vaults and the dangerous environment within them led to their inevitable closure. However, the exact date this happened remains unknown.
Some sources claim the Vaults were sealed in 1836, while others suggest 1875.
Intriguing Discoveries
The vaults were rediscovered in the 1980s when Norrie Rowan, a former Scottish rugby player, found a tunnel leading to them. The excavation work in the 1990s, carried out by Norrie Rowan and his son, involved manually removing tonnes of rubble. This effort unearthed fascinating artefacts, including oyster shells, which were a staple of the Edinburgh working class’s diet at the time.
They also discovered numerous toys and medicine bottles. All these items clearly indicated that people had once lived there.
A New Era
In time, the tunnels and chambers of the Vaults began hosting various entertainment events.
This notably includes the popular “ghost tours.” Additionally, the space now houses “The Caves and The Rowantree,” a venue for weddings, private dinners, and club nights.
Indeed, Edinburgh’s unique landmarks are truly impressive. Many of them offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past and the lives of its inhabitants. Edinburgh’s history holds countless secrets, and uncovering them allows for a deeper connection with this amazing and incredibly vibrant Scottish city.