Edinburgh's Buildings  -  Photograph: November 2002

Deacon Brodie's Tavern

Deacon Brodie

Born 28 Sept 1741

Executed 1 Oct 1788

William Brodie, Deacon of Wrights & Masons of Edinburgh
was the son of a cabinet maker in the Lawnmarket.
He was born in Brodie's Close and hanged near
St Giles  -  both places being just a few steps
from the tavern which now bears his name.

In manhood, Brodie's business inspired Robert
 Louis Stevenson to write that famous classic  - 
Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde.  By day, William Brodie
was pious, wealthy and a much respected
citizen and in 1781 was elected Deacon
Councillor of the city.  But at night he was
a gambler, a thief, dissipated and licentious.
The annals record  "his cunning and audacity were
unsurpassed."

Brodie was hanged from the city's new gallows on
Oct 1 1788.  Ironically, he had designed the gallows
 that were to eventually seal his fate.

©

zoom-out to see the tavern

Views of Deacon Brodie's Tavern                     Engraving of Brodie

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