Deacon Brodie of Edinburgh

The Original Jekyll & Hyde

Deacon Brodie lived in Edinburgh in the 18th century. His double life is thought to have been the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde".

William Brodie was born in 1741, the son of a cabinet maker. He grew to be a highly respected member of Edinburgh society. Brodie was a skilled craftsman, a member of the Town Council and the leader of the guild of Wrights and Masons. This latter post carried the title "Deacon" which is how he is remembered.

Deacon Brodie lived an extravagent lifestyle which even his high position in Edinburgh society could not support. So he turned to crime to finance his pleasure.

Brodie's legitimate job as a woodworker gave him access to the houses of the wealthy. He was therefore able to make notes about the house layout and security precautions and even make copies of the keys. Later on Brodie and his gang of accomplices would return to steal from his customers.

Eventually Brodie - possibly becoming too confident - over-reached himself. During a raid on the Excise Office one of his gang was caught. The thief - Ainslie - turned King's Evidence to save his own skin.

Deacon Brodie fled to Amsterdam but was caught and returned to Scotland for trial. He was found guilty and was hanged in 1788 at the Edinburgh Tolbooth.

Like all the best dastardly villains, Deacon Brodie was rumoured to have escaped the ultimate punishment. Some claimed that he bribed the hangman and fled to Paris.

Today "Deacon Brodie's Tavern" on Edinburgh's Royal Mile is a popular watering hole for tourists.