I was out last night with my friend the Demon Landlord. We went to our usual haunt, the Sheep Heid Inn. This is the oldest pub in the country. It was established in 1360, and has been frequented by many eminent Scots such as Bonnie Prince Charlie, Jock Tamson, Robert Louis Stevenson, and of course Deacon Barry.
It was also the scene of the most famous resurrection in Scottish history.
Maggie Dixon was found guilty of killing her child, and hanged in the Grassmarket. Her body was loaded into a coffin and transported out of the city. The wagonners stopped at the Sheep Heid for a quick hauf, and to their horror, watched as Maggie pushed back the coffin lid, climbed out, and staggered home. In those days (18th century), hanging was not yet a scientific art, so survival was possible. Because the sentence of the court had been carried out, Maggie was free. She lived the rest of her life as a local celebrity, and was nick-named Half-hingit Maggie.
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2 comments:
Although born in America, all of my ancestors are Scottish. I've always wanted to visit because I love all the history, especially stories like this.
Like your blog. I'll be back!
Haste ye back.
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