Whispers of a forgotten vampire linger around Craigentinny House. This early 17th-century house stands before you a testament to Edinburgh’s ever-changing landscape. Craigentinny House wasn’t always a community centre. It began as a fortified home built after 1604 for James Nisbet. The land was purchased from the Logan family of Restalrig. The house passed through various hands notably the Nisbet family and then John Nisbet Lord Dirleton around 1680. It later belonged to the Scott-Nisbets before William Miller a wealthy seedsman and Quaker acquired it in 1765. His son William Henry Miller a Member of Parliament further added to the house’s intriguing legacy.
William Henry Miller known as Measure Miller for his habit of using a ruler to check book dimensions at auctions was a peculiar character. His unusual burial requests fuelled local legends. Some whisper that he was a vampire. His elaborate lead-lined coffin within a deep stone vault indeed speaks to a unique fear. Perhaps fear of grave robbers was the reason for such measures. Edinburgh in the early 1800s was a hub of anatomical study. The need for bodies fueled the illicit trade made famous by Burke and Hare. The depth of the vault may also have been practical support for the planned mausoleum. The mausoleum now known as the Craigentinny Marbles a stunning structure designed by David Rhind with bas-reliefs by Sir Alfred Gatley stands nearby.
After William Henry Miller’s death his estate passed to two unrelated sisters. His distant relative Samuel Christy helped them manage debts and even improved the estate. Christy later changed his name to Christie-Miller inheriting the estate and arms. He employed David Rhind to remodel Craigentinny House giving it a convincingly historic Baronial style. The house survived a German bomb attack in 1942. The east wing was destroyed along with the caretaker Robert Wright. The house was then repaired and it continued to serve the community.
Craigentinny House has seen many uses. It served as a private residence for centuries then became the first community centre in a Scottish council estate. Today it remains a hub for social work and community events. This magnificent building stands as a bridge between Edinburgh’s past and present. Its walls hold secrets of wealthy landowners eccentric burials and community spirit. Craigentinny House a unique landmark in the city’s history stands proudly before you.