Broughton

What secrets lie hidden beneath the bustling streets of Broughton? We stand now in a place that was once a world away from the heart of Edinburgh. Broughton, a name that echoes with tales of witchcraft, feudal lords, and grisly murders. Long before the elegant townhouses of the New Town graced the landscape, Broughton stood as an independent village, its fate intertwined with the powerful Abbey of Holyrood. Imagine a time when fields and hedgerows stretched out before you, connecting the village to the city by a single, narrow lane known as the Loan of Broughton. This was a place of power, ruled by the Bellenden family, whose influence reached far beyond these humble streets. The Bellendens, lords of the law, held court here, dispensing justice and, some say, dabbling in the dark arts themselves. For Broughton had a sinister reputation, a place where whispers of witchcraft swirled like smoke in the night. The very air seemed thick with suspicion and fear. It’s said that numerous unfortunate souls were accused of consorting with the devil and met their fiery end right here in Broughton. But the Bellendens’ reign was not to last. In a twist worthy of their own legal dramas, they sold Broughton to the Governors of Heriot’s Hospital. The old tolbooth, a silent witness to centuries of village life, became a chilling symbol of the brutal justice of the time. Within its walls, countless souls were tried and punished for crimes both real and imagined. Today, Broughton bears little resemblance to its tumultuous past. The quaint cottages and the imposing tolbooth have vanished, replaced by a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and pubs. Yet, beneath the surface, the echoes of history linger. So, as you wander through the streets of Broughton, keep your eyes open and your ears tuned. You never know what whispers from the past you might uncover in this ancient and enigmatic corner of Edinburgh.