Major Weir
The Wizard of West Bow
Major Thomas Weir was a familiar figure in the Edinburgh of the early 17th century. Initially for all the right reasons.Weir lived in West Bow, a narrow street that winds its way down from Edinburgh castle to the Grassmarket. He shared a house with his sister who, according to different accounts, was either named Jean or Grizel. The two were devout religious figures, members of the Covenanters and frequent churchgoers. They were even unofficial leaders of a group known as "the Saints". The Major would strut around town in his long cloak and carrying his black thornwood staff.
The Fall
Thomas and his sister attended church regularly and the Major frequently led the service. However one day something totally unexpected happened: instead of preaching the Bible, Major Weir began to confess to a series of foul crimes.Before the horrified congregation Weir confessed that he was a long time satanist and practiced witchcraft. He then went on to admit to incestuous relationships with his sister.
Our immediate reaction today might be to think that he was suffering from something similar to extreme Tourette's Syndrome. Even in the 17th century the first reaction of most people was that he he "gone out of his mind". They simply couldn't believe what this respectable pillar of the community was saying.
Thoughts of mental illness were banished when his sister confirmed the Major's confessions. She even added to them, claiming that she and Thomas had inherited magical powers from their witch mother. The Major was, she said, was a powerful wizard who channeled demonic powers through his staff.
Major Weir was condemned to death. He was strangled, then burnt - along with his staff - in 1670. His sister was also hanged. As the rope was put around Weir's neck he was asked to say "Lord be merciful to me" to which he replied:
"Let me alone, I will not. I have lived as a beast, and I must die as a beast"
The Ghost
Even with Weirs gone, their presence remained.There were frequent reports of strange occurences in and around their home. Unusually, these weren't the normal pained moanings of a tormented spirit but unexplained sounds of merriment and partying. It would seem that the Wizard of West Bow and his sister were determined to continue their debauched lifestyle - even in death.
The Weir house was pulled down in the nineteenth century, yet his ghost is still sometimes heard enjoying itself in the area today.
It has also been suggested that Weir might have been the
inspiration for Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde. Others give
credit for this to Deacon Brodie.
