Gruesome Guide to Edinburgh (newspaper edition)

Terry Deary's Horrible Histories: Edinburgh is a fun and informative book that explores the foul facts and history of the Scottish capital, including why it's alright to spit on the High Street, who's pickled skin became a sought-after souvenir, and how the pupils of Edinburgh High School got away with murder.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Scholastic

Discover all the foul facts about the history of the Scottish capital with history's most horrible headlines: Edinburgh edition. The master of making history fun, Terry Deary, turns his attention to Auld Reekie. From why it's alright to spit on the High Street and whose pickled skin became a sought-after souvenir to how the pupils of Edinburgh High School got away with murder. It's all in Horrible Histories: Edinburgh: fully illustrated throughout and packed with hair-raising stories - with all the horribly hilarious bits included with a fresh take on the classic Horrible Histories style, perfect for fans old and new. The perfect series for anyone looking for a fun and informative read. Horrible Histories has been entertaining children and families for generations with books, TV, stage shows, magazines, games, and 2019's brilliantly funny Horrible Histories: the Movie - Rotten Romans. Get your history right here and collect the whole horrible lot. Read all about it!

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has a rich and intriguing history that is filled with fascinating stories and events. However, not all of these stories are pleasant or uplifting. In this article, we will explore some of the darker aspects of Edinburgh's history, including its involvement in witch trials, its role in the slave trade, and its history of violence and crime.

One of the most notorious events in Edinburgh's history was the witch trials that took place in the city in the 16th and 17th centuries. Hundreds of people were accused of witchcraft, and many were executed on the grounds of witchcraft. The trials were a dark and terrifying time in Scottish history, and they have left a lasting legacy. One of the most famous victims of the witch trials was Margaret Murray, who was accused of witchcraft and executed in 1567. Murray was a respected midwife who had been accused of causing the death of a baby by witchcraft. However, her innocence was eventually proven, and she was posthumously pardoned in 1996.

Edinburgh was also involved in the slave trade, which was a major industry in the 17th and 18th centuries. Many Scottish merchants and traders made their fortunes by trading in enslaved people, who were often taken from Africa and sold into slavery in the Americas. The slave trade was a brutal and inhumane practice, and it had a devastating impact on the lives of the enslaved people. One of the most notorious slave traders in Edinburgh was John Knox, who was the founder of the Scottish Reformation. Knox was a wealthy merchant who made his fortune by trading in enslaved people. He was also a deeply religious man, and he believed that slavery was a sin. However, his beliefs did not stop him from profiting from the slave trade.

In addition to its involvement in witch trials and the slave trade, Edinburgh has a history of violence and crime. The city has been home to many notorious criminals, including serial killers and gangsters. One of the most famous serial killers in Scottish history was Robert the Bruce, who was the King of Scotland from 1306 to 1329. Bruce was a skilled warrior and a charismatic leader, but he was also a ruthless killer. He was responsible for the murder of many rival Scottish kings and noblemen, and his reign was marked by violence and bloodshed.

Another notorious criminal from Edinburgh was Mary Queen of Scots, who was the Queen of Scotland from 1542 to 1567. Queen Mary was a beautiful and intelligent woman, but she was also a controversial figure. She was married to King Philip II of Spain, and her marriage was a political alliance that was intended to strengthen Scotland's ties with Europe. However, her marriage was also fraught with tension and conflict, and it was eventually ended by her execution in 1587.

Despite its dark past, Edinburgh is a vibrant and dynamic city that is home to many interesting and exciting attractions. The city is known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland. Edinburgh is also home to a thriving arts scene, with many museums, galleries, and theaters. The city is also known for its delicious food and drink, with many popular restaurants and bars.

In conclusion, Edinburgh's history is a complex and multifaceted story that is filled with both positive and negative aspects. The city has been home to many influential figures and events, but it has also been involved in some of the darkest moments in Scottish history. However, by learning about these events and their impact, we can better understand the city and its place in history.

Weight: 106g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780702318122