Brodie’s Close

Brodie’s Close discover

Historic vaulted pend on the Lawnmarket, tied to William Brodie’s double life of public office and burglary.

Brodie’s Close is located within a listed group of buildings on the Lawnmarket. The register documents 16th- and 17th-century fabric alongside later alterations, including works by James Jerdan in 1896. Particularly revealing are the wide segmental arched pend and the older vaulted passage behind it: they illustrate multiple historical building phases.

The famous name refers to William Brodie, a respected craftsman and city councillor who simultaneously carried out burglaries and was executed in 1788. His double life is frequently linked to Stevenson. However, this does not imply a proven direct creative connection to Jekyll and Hyde; the popular inspiration story remains an attribution.

What to Expect

• Segmental arch
• Older vaulted passage
• Multi-phase residential architecture
• History of William Brodie

Plan Your Visit

Heritage protection

Part of a Category A listed group of buildings.

Building fabric

16th and 17th centuries, with later alterations in 1896.

Architecture

Segmental arched entrance and older vaulted passage.

History

William Brodie was executed in 1788.

Access

Check current access notices on site

Tips for Your Visit

• Access from the Lawnmarket.
• Do not enter private areas or residential doorways.
• Walk carefully when the stone is wet.

Here You’ll Find Brodie’s Close

302–310 Lawnmarket, including Brodie’s Close, Edinburgh