Libberton's Wynd Explained

Libberton's Wynd was a steep narrow street in Edinburgh, running from Lawnmarket to Cowgate.^[1] The term "wynd" is a common Scottish term for a narrow lane between houses.

While most of it was destroyed in the 19th century as part of the creation of the George IV Bridge, a part of the wynd has been rediscovered below the National Library of Scotland.^{[2] [3]}

John Dowie's Tavern was a famous tavern in the street, run by John Dowie from c.1770 to 1817. Although small, it was very popular, and frequented by Edinburgh's respectable citizens.^[4]

The street was also known as a site for executions, including that of the notorious body-snatcher William Burke.

References

55.9493°N -3.1921°W

Notes and References

1. Web site: Architecture Notes Canmore . 2024-12-01 . canmore.org.uk . en.
2. Web site: 2024-11-30 . The forgotten street found behind a hidden library door . 2024-12-01 . BBC News . en-GB.
3. Web site: Doors Open Day: Through ‘The Void’ to Libberton’s Wynd – National Library of Scotland Blog . 2024-12-01 . blog.nls.uk.
4. Web site: Kay's Edinburgh Portraits . 2024-12-01 . www.electricscotland.com.