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1. Edinburgh Vaults
In the late 18th century, the city of Edinburgh was a thriving community. To help drive expansion, officials in this area of Scotland approved the construction of two bridges, the North Bridge and South Bridge. The South Bridge is a nineteen arch viaduct, which holds some unusual architectural feats. Eighteen of the arches were enclosed behind tenement buildings, which were built upon floor layering. In total there are approximately 120 vaults beneath the surface of the South Bridge, ranging in size from 6.5 feet (2 meters) to 131 feet (40 meters) squared. The South Bridge officially opened for business on March 1, 1788. For around 30 years, the Edinburgh vaults were used to house taverns, cobblers and other tradesmen. Specific sections were used for the storage of illicit material, including dead bodies. The bodies were examined by doctors and reportedly used in medical experiments. Unfortunately, construction of the South Bridge was rushed and the surface was never sealed against water damage. For this reason, the vaults began to flood and the area was abandoned.
Do Not Enter
By the start of the 19th century, slum dwellers had taken over the vaults and the area became a renowned red light district, with countless brothels and pubs operating within the abandoned complex. Living conditions in the chambers were appalling. The rooms were cramped, dark and damp, with no sunlight, poorly circulated air, no running water, and no sanitation. Serious crimes and acts of violence were a major problem. The serial murderers Burke and Hare are thought to have chosen victims from this area. In the middle of the 19th century, the first reports of bizarre visions and ghostly phenomenon were issued. At that time, city officials made the decision to drop tons of rubble into the Edinburgh Vaults, making them inaccessible. The landmarks were not rediscovered until the 1980s, when they were excavated by Norrie Rowan and his son. During the unearthing of the vaults, strange occurrences and loud cries were often reported.
Today, the Edinburgh Vaults house some of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, including many ghost tours. The most popular venues are the Mercat Tours, Marlin’s Wynd, and a tour known as The Caves. Specific corridors of the Edinburgh Vaults are said to house spiritual characters. Mr. Boots is a ghost that has been known to nudge tourists and follow large groups. He can often be heard using foul language and stomping on the hard stone floor. A young spirit named Jack can be seen running about the dark rooms, giggling as he passes by unsuspecting people. One of the most chilling spirits is an ailing pregnant woman that can be heard crying for attention and help. The Edinburgh Vaults are also known to contain odd cold air flows. Scientific studies and overnight sleepovers have been conducted in the vaults with some unexplained findings. In 2009, a BBC TV production team recorded a strange voice that appeared to be that of a Catholic priest reciting the Last Rites. The ghostly voice continued to be heard on the recording for some 20 minutes before abruptly ceasing after what appeared to be the sound of children yelling.
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