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Flesh and Bone: The Burke & Hare Murders

2.7 km94 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the shadows of 19th-century Edinburgh, a city split between Enlightenment brilliance and desperate, grinding poverty. On this immersive true-crime journey, you will trace the bloody footsteps of William Burke and William Hare, two men who turned murder into a highly profitable business. Discover how the insatiable demands of the medical establishment created a black market for human corpses, and explore the chilling ethical lines crossed in the name of science. This is not just a story of serial killers; it is a tale of class, complicity, and the forgotten victims of the Old Town.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Site of Tanner's Close

The former site of Log's Lodgings, where Burke and Hare's infamous murder spree began in 1827.

Site of Tanner's Close

Image by Richard Webb on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

0.77 km • 12 min
2

STOP 2

Parliament House

The seat of the High Court of Justiciary where Burke stood trial and Hare secured his controversial immunity.

0.06 km • 1 min
3

STOP 3

Site of Burke's Execution

The location at the head of the former Libberton's Wynd where William Burke was publicly hanged in front of 25,000 people.

Site of Burke's Execution

Image by kevinmcgill on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

0.84 km • 13 min
4

STOP 4

Surgeon's Square

The former location of Dr. Robert Knox's anatomy school, where the murdered bodies were delivered.

Surgeon's Square

Image by kim traynor on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

0.45 km • 7 min
5

STOP 5

Surgeons' Hall Museums

A museum housing macabre artifacts from the case, including Burke's death mask and a pocketbook made from his skin.

Surgeons' Hall Museums

Image by kim traynor on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

0.55 km • 8 min
6

END

Anatomy Museum, University of Edinburgh

The final resting place of William Burke's articulated skeleton, displayed as a permanent punishment.

Anatomy Museum, University of Edinburgh

Image by LornaMCampbell on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for True-crime enthusiasts, history buffs, dark tourism explorers, and anyone fascinated by medical history and Victorian gothic atmosphere.
  • Best time Late afternoon or early evening, when the shadows lengthen in the closes and the Old Town takes on a moody, atmospheric chill.
  • Footwear Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Edinburgh's cobblestones and steep wynds are notoriously unforgiving.
  • Weather Bring a waterproof jacket. The Scottish rain adds atmosphere, but you'll want to stay dry.
  • Museum Entry Check the opening hours for Surgeons' Hall and the Anatomy Museum in advance if you wish to view the artifacts.
  • Pacing Take your time in the narrow closes. Let the claustrophobic architecture transport you back in time.
  • Content Warning This tour discusses gruesome murders, dissection, and macabre historical artifacts. Listener discretion is advised.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Max Krämer
Audio sample
0:000:00

Max Krämer

  • History & Memory
  • Northern Germany

Historian with a passion for urban places of remembrance. Has worked in archives and museums for years; shows the traces of revolutions, monuments, and colonial pasts in today's streets.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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