The Edinburgh Castle vaults, also known as the Prisons of War, are a captivating and eerie part of Scotland’s history. Located beneath Crown Square within the iconic Edinburgh Castle, these vaults were used to hold hundreds of prisoners of war, including French privateers, American sailors, and even notorious Caribbean pirates, from the 1700s to the 1800s.
The Grim History of the Edinburgh Castle Vaults
Prisoners of War and Pirates
The Edinburgh Castle vaults were primarily used to hold prisoners of war, including those captured during conflicts such as the Napoleonic Wars and the American Revolutionary War. These vaults also served as a holding place for notorious Caribbean pirates, such as members of the crew of the infamous pirate “Black Bart.”
Escape Attempts and Grim Conditions
The conditions within the vaults were notoriously grim, with prisoners facing overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to food and water. Many prisoners attempted to escape, with one notable incident in 1811 where 49 prisoners managed to break through a hole in the defenses, only to be recaptured shortly after.
The Youngest Prisoner
One of the most poignant stories associated with the Edinburgh Castle vaults is that of a five-year-old drummer boy who was captured at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and held in the vaults. This tragic tale highlights the harsh realities faced by those imprisoned within these dark and foreboding chambers.
Exploring the Edinburgh Castle Vaults Today
Recreating the Past
Today, visitors to the Edinburgh Castle vaults can experience a recreation of the vaults as they would have appeared around 1800, offering a glimpse into the grim conditions faced by the prisoners who were once held there.
Accessibility and Guided Tours
The Edinburgh Castle vaults are part of the larger Edinburgh Castle complex, which is open to visitors. While specific accessibility details for people with mobility issues are not explicitly mentioned, it is recommended to contact the castle directly for more information. Guided tours of the vaults are available, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the site’s history and the stories of those who were imprisoned there.
Paranormal Investigations and Hauntings
Ghost Adventures and Most Haunted
The Edinburgh Castle vaults have long been the subject of paranormal investigations, with the popular TV shows “Ghost Adventures” and “Most Haunted” both claiming to have encountered numerous supernatural occurrences within the vaults.
BBC Investigation
In 2009, a BBC TV production team conducted an overnight sleepover in the vaults, during which they recorded unexplained voices that were later broadcast as part of a TV special.
Visiting the Edinburgh Castle Vaults
Edinburgh Castle Admission
Visiting the Edinburgh Castle vaults is part of the overall experience of exploring the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Admission costs and opening hours for the castle vary depending on the time of year, so it is recommended to check the official Edinburgh Castle website for the most up-to-date information.
Auld Reekie Tours
In addition to the guided tours offered by Edinburgh Castle, visitors can also explore the vaults through specialized tours, such as those offered by Auld Reekie Tours. These tours provide a more in-depth look at the history and paranormal aspects of the vaults, with tours available daily from January to December.
The Edinburgh Castle vaults are a captivating and haunting part of Scotland’s history, offering visitors a glimpse into the grim realities faced by those who were once imprisoned within these dark and foreboding chambers. Whether you’re interested in the historical significance of the vaults or the paranormal legends that surround them, a visit to this unique site is sure to leave a lasting impression.
References:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh_Vaults
2. https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/see-and-do/highlights/prisons-of-war
3. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/tours/the-vaults-tour-6857aaf8