The Witches' Well Edinburgh
Horrible history
A few years ago I visited Salem in Massachusetts to learn about witch trials. I'll never forget the advice I was given at the end of my visit, "There's one place in the world that executed more suspected witches than anywhere else in the world - Edinburgh, Scotland."
I'd always know we'd a history of witch trials, just not how we compared to other countries. In Scotland it's thought between 4,000 and 6,000 people were tried under the Witchcraft Act between 1563 and 1736. That's three times as many as England and four times as many as the European average.
If you were suspected of being a witch, the sure-fire way to find out was to tie your arms and legs together and throw you into the Nor Loch (where Princes Street Gardens and Waverley Station are today). If you drowned you were innocent. If you survived it proved you were a witch. The sentence was then either hanging or burning at the stake. In Scotland around 1,500 people were executed. The largest group, over 300 people, were strangled or burnt on the Castle Esplanade at the site of the Witches' Well.
The Well is easily missed. It's just inside the Esplanade, on the right-hand side if you are looking at the Castle.
In 1894, urban planner Patrick Geddes, commissioned the Well as a memorial to those that had died this horrible death. The Well is dry now but the carvings illustrate the duality between good and evil with the serpent representing both wisdom and evil.
About this spot
Castlehill 555
- 24 hours daily
£
free
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh
The Leith Collective
Design and art shop
"Scottish Design Exchange" is in Edinburgh's Leith, hidden in a shopping mall called Ocean Terminal. It's not high concept, it's things you'd actually buy.
by
Mark
Gorman
Sabzi
Punjabi street food
"Sabzi" in Edinburgh used to be a Blockbuster video store, then it became a pop-up restaurant. Now it serves wonderful heart-warming Punjabi street food!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
S. Luca
Ice cream and sweet treats
"S. Luca" has been one of my favorite places in Edinburgh since I was a kid. What they're famous for is their own brand of ice cream - and I love it!
by
Catriona
Laxton
Green. Leith
Plant shop with social mission
"Green. Leith" is a refreshing and colourful addition to the well-known street in Edinburgh. They really take green plants & accessories to a new level!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Muschat's Cairn
Gory history under rocks
I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!
by
Fiona
Diack
Leith Victoria Swim Centre
An architectural gem
The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Pickles
Cosy wine bar
"Pickles" is a tiny wee wine bar in Edinburgh. The bar has a rustic Scottish feel to it, but the main reason I like it is their cheese and wine...
by
Fiona
Diack
Union Brew Lab
A unique coffee experience
"Union Brew Lab" Edinburgh is one of the original hipster coffee shops in the city. JK Rowling hasn't written a book here yet!
by
Fiona
Diack
Manna House Bakery
Incredible bakery/eatery
"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!
by
Mark
Gorman
Craiglockhart Hill
The overlooked hill
Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!
by
Fiona
Diack
Corstorphine Hill
Not just the zoo
The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!
by
Fiona
Diack
Heading to Edinburgh?
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 138 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Edinburgh
Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh
As featured on:
