Around 1828, William Hare earned his money in Edinburgh by renting out Lodging House, a kind of apartment complex. But it was not a real moneymaker. When a tenant died owing four pounds, Hare had had enough. This was costing him money! He complained to William Burke, good friend, namesake and partner in crime. Soon they agreed that there had to be more money in the pocket. But how?
The men did not flinch and decided to take the lifeless body of the tenant from the coffin and sell it. To avoid being caught, they filled the empty coffin with tree bark. Perfect, nothing more to do! Knox, a well-known professor, got wind of the two criminals' sinister plan and immediately offered £7 for the corpse. It was a deal! Hare and Burke looked at each other with a smile on their faces and thought the same thing: this is a golden business. In the months that followed, they sold more and more corpses. Until a new tenant found a body under her bed and called the police. For Hare and Burke there was nothing to do but to flee. It had been rumoured for years in the criminal community that Edinburgh had a secret exit. Just what they need now!
Escape the city
You too will go in search of Edinburgh's secret exit. Via the app on your smartphone you will receive assignments, riddles and clues. In the meantime, discover the most beautiful spots of the city, but don't forget to watch the time! Will you escape from Edinburgh within 2 hours? Then you deserve a spot on the Wall of Fame! The search starts at Canongate Kirk, good luck!
