Deacon Brodie
Deacon Brodie lived in the 18th century and was one of Edinburgh's most respected citizens - as well as one of its worst rogues. He led an extreme double life which some people have suggested might have been the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde".
William Brodie was born in 1741, the son of a cabinet maker. He became a well-known figure in he society of the day, being 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.
Brodie liked the good things in life and had an extravagent lifestyle which even his high position in Edinburgh society couldn't support. So he turned to crime to finance his pleasure, using the skills he'd learned in his trade.
Brodie's legitimate job as a woodworker gave him frequent 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 and agreed to testify against Brodie to save his own skin.
When Deacon Brodie learned of this he 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.
