Episode Five: It’s All In The Execution

We currently have a Crime and Punishment board in the cathedral, detailing various misdeeds in the St Giles’ area during the Covenanting period, as well as the often macabre justice doled out. This has led us to wonder what exactly is a church’s role in historical justice, and what can we learn from the legal systems of the past? Why did St Giles’ have a jail in it? And were the citizens of 16th century Edinburgh really as bloodthirsty as tour guides would have you believe?

Warning: This episode discusses historic crimes and punishments, some of which may be distressing.