Burke & Hare
Burke and Hare crimes in Edinburgh Old Town Scotland
Burke & Hare: Edinburgh’s Darkest Tale of Murder and Body Snatching
Amid the historic grandeur of Edinburgh’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Edinburgh, Scotland, nestled between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lies one of the city’s most chilling true crime stories. The infamous tale of Burke and Hare remains a cornerstone of Edinburgh history tours, drawing visitors fascinated by the darker side of Scotland’s capital.
This area of Edinburgh, particularly the Old Town and West Port, remains one of the most historically significant parts of Scotland’s capital. Today, these locations are frequently explored on guided Edinburgh walking toursfocused on Edinburgh’s dark history.
The Rise of Body Snatching in Edinburgh
In the early 19th century, Edinburgh, Scotland, was a hub for medical advancement, home to some of the most prestigious institutions such as the University of Edinburgh Medical School. However, this progress came at a cost. With a legal shortage of cadavers for anatomical study, a black market emerged.
Body snatching in Edinburgh, particularly across graveyards like Greyfriars Kirkyard and Canongate Kirkyard, became widespread. So-called “resurrectionists” exhumed freshly buried bodies and sold them to medical schools, creating a lucrative underground trade.
Burke and Hare: From Opportunists to Murderers
Unlike typical body snatchers, William Burke and William Hare sought a more profitable and sinister approach. Rather than digging up the dead, they chose to create their own supply.
Operating from their lodging house in West Port, Edinburgh, they targeted vulnerable individuals, often luring them in with food and whisky. Their method of killing, later known as “Burking”, involved suffocation without leaving visible marks on the body, making the corpses highly valuable for dissection.
This gruesome technique ensured the bodies appeared “fresh”, allowing Burke and Hare to command higher prices from buyers, including the notorious anatomist Dr Robert Knox.
Crimes That Shocked Edinburgh
Between 1827 and 1828, Burke and Hare murdered at least 16 victims in what is now considered one of the most infamous true crime cases in Edinburgh. Their actions sent shockwaves through the city and highlighted the dark intersection between medical science and crime.
The murders eventually came to light, leading to their arrest. In a dramatic turn, Hare turned King’s evidence, testifying against Burke in exchange for immunity. He was released and vanished, his fate remains unknown.
A Grim End and Lasting Legacy
William Burke was found guilty and executed by hanging in 1829. In a striking twist of fate, his body was publicly dissected at the University of Edinburgh, the very system he had once supplied.
Today, parts of his remains, including a book reportedly bound in his skin, remain linked to Edinburgh’s medical history, serving as a haunting reminder of his crimes.
Discover Edinburgh’s Dark History
The story of Burke and Hare continues to captivate visitors exploring things to do in Edinburgh Old Town, particularly those interested in its darker past. From the narrow closes of the Royal Mile to historic sites tied to their crimes, this tale remains a key highlight in many Edinburgh Walking Tours, ghost tours, and Edinburgh ghost stories experiences.
Today, visitors exploring some of the most historic places in Edinburgh, including Edinburgh’s Old Town, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the historic West Port area, can still trace the footsteps of Burke and Hare. These locations are key stops on many Edinburgh Walking Tours and dark history tours, as well as immersive Specialist Experiences in Edinburgh , offering a deeper insight into one of the city’s most chilling chapters.
Caroline - Heritage Guides
