Edinburgh’s Underground City

Beneath the modern streets of Edinburgh lies a buried city, sealed during the plague of 1645. Entire neighborhoods were walled up, their inhabitants left to die. Today, tourists walk these streets, and many encounter the spirits of the long-dead residents.

The Plague

In 1645, plague swept through Edinburgh. In the narrow closes of the Old Town, infection spread rapidly. The city authorities made a drastic decision: seal the infected streets and leave the residents to their fate.

The Burial

Earth was heaped over the closes. New buildings were constructed on top. The Old Town literally rose over its own corpses. For centuries, the buried streets were forgotten.

The Rediscovery

In the twentieth century, excavation revealed the buried streets. Mary King’s Close and other underground lanes were opened. The walls still stood. Personal effects remained. And something else remained as well.

The Ghosts

Visitors report seeing figures in period clothing walking the narrow lanes. Children’s laughter echoes. A ghostly girl named Annie has become famous, her story drawing visitors who leave toys in her memory.

The Phenomena

Cold spots are common. Electronic equipment fails. Visitors feel touched by unseen hands. Some experience overwhelming emotions of terror and despair. The atmosphere underground is oppressive.

Assessment

Edinburgh’s underground city contains the remains and psychic impressions of thousands who died in terror and isolation. The tourists who now walk these streets encounter echoes of that tragedy daily.