### The Hidden Historical Gem of Edinburgh
Tucked away behind a seemingly ordinary door on the lower floors of the National Library of Scotland lies an extraordinary discovery: a forgotten street that serves as a vivid reminder of Edinburgh’s rich history. This small section of Libberton’s Wynd, once a bustling part of the city, is now largely obscured by modern development but offers a unique glimpse into how the old city looked centuries ago.
Libberton’s Wynd was a steep thoroughfare that connected the Lawnmarket to the Cowgate. Sadly, much of it was demolished in the 1830s to facilitate the construction of George IV Bridge. However, pieces of this historic street still exist, hidden between the stone walls of the bridge and the adjoining library building. Currently known as “The Void” by library staff, this corridor is not accessible to the public but received special attention from the BBC Scotland News team, who were granted a rare opportunity to explore its depths.
The chance discovery of this corridor came about in the 1990s when library officials executed a minor renovation and found an unassuming hatch concealed behind a set of filing cabinets. Upon crawling through, they were met with a forgotten passageway adorned with arches that may have once provided access to storage chambers incorporated within the bridges’ structure.
### Unearthing the Past
Inside The Void, remnants of the past were evident. Bill Jackson, a former director of the library, recounted his eerie but intriguing exploration of the passage. He discovered a trove of historical items, including old furniture, ledgers, shoes, and even a waterlogged slate urinal, all over a century old. The dark, confined space evoked feelings of anxiety during his visit, but the experience was ultimately one of fascination. He later improved the access to The Void by installing lights and a full-sized door, enhancing its visibility and protection from the elements.
Further exploration revealed the foundation of buildings that once lined Libberton’s Wynd. According to Robbie Mitchell, a reference assistant at the library, the walls still showcase the library’s brickwork alongside the stone architecture from the bridge. He provided insight into the significance of these remains, noting that while The Void is not maintained like more famous historical sites such as Mary Stair’s Close, it holds invaluable pieces of Edinburgh’s narrative.
### A Connection to Notorious Events
Libberton’s Wynd was well-known in its day, particularly due to its association with executions that took place at the gallows located at its convergence with the Lawnmarket. The history surrounding these events is dark, featuring crowed attendances for public hangings, most infamously that of body snatcher William Burke in January 1829. The cobbled street was also home to one of the city’s famed taverns, originally called The Mermaid and later known as Johnnie Dowie’s Tavern, which was frequented by a diverse clientele, illustrating the social tapestry of Edinburgh during that era.
### Social Haven and Cultural Hub
The tavern, described as a place of substantial respectability, attracted artists, writers, and members of the legal community; Robert Fergusson, a noted poet, and even Robert Burns, found solace in its cramped yet lively atmosphere. Dowie himself is remembered for his charm, always spotted in attire consistent with his role as a kind tavern keeper. Patrons mingled over a glass of Edinburgh Ale, a local brew known for its potency.
At its peak, the tavern’s coal-heated chambers were a canvas of life, frequented by Edinburgh’s notable figures. However, the confines often limited the gatherings to small groups within candlelit spaces, highlighting the claustrophobic nature of the Old Town’s architecture.
### A Lively Thoroughfare
Local historian Jamie Corstorphine encapsulated the essence of Libberton’s Wynd, underscoring its historical significance. Originally referenced in the late 15th century, it once sprouted a lively community filled with merchants, tradesmen, and artisans. From shoemakers to vinters, each corner of the narrow street teemed with life.
While the passage is now hidden away, its legacy continues, such that visitors to Edinburgh can feel the lingering presence of a time that shaped its current form. The integration of The Void into the narrative of Edinburgh’s history is a reminder of the intricate interplay between old and new as it transforms and redeems its storied past. As historical discoveries emerge from the shadows, they remind us that even in a rapidly modernizing world, echoes of history persist, waiting to be uncovered and appreciated.
