The Witches’ Well, distinguished by a cast iron fountain and accompanying plaque, serves as a solemn homage to the Scottish populace condemned to the stake for alleged witchcraft during the span of the 15th to the 18th centuries. Discreetly positioned, this site, overshadowed by the imposing castle, silently commemorates a higher concentration of female casualties during the 16th century, each victim unjustly deprived of a lawful trial.
In the belief system of King James VI of Scotland, witchcraft was perceived as a manifestation of Satanism, marking those endowed with such abilities as vessels tainted by the devil. Consequently, the 17th and 18th centuries bore witness to the execution of more than 4,000 alleged witches, predominantly women, with the mode of execution shifting from burning to hanging by the end of the 17th century, culminating in the final execution in 1728.
Where? Edinburgh EH1 2ND
How Much? Free
