WITCHES' WELL

This fountain designed by John Duncan RSA is near the site on which many witches were burned at the stake.  The Wicked Head and Serene Head signify that some used their exceptional knowledge for evil purposes while others were misunderstood and wished their kind nothing but good.  The Serpent has the dual significance of evil and of wisdom.  The Foxglove spray further emphasizes the dual purpose of many common objects.

This drinking fountain commemorates the people executed here for witchcraft in the 1500s & 1600s.

Possibly hundreds of those convicted of witchcraft were strangled and burnt at the stake on the execution ground now covered by Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.  Most of the condemned were women. 

A Mystical Memorial 
The fountain was sculpted in 1894 by John Duncan, the leading Celtic Revival artist.  Look for a witch’s healing hands and evil eye on its side.