Having noisy upstairs neighbours is a nightmare, but for one Old Town bakery, their upstairs neghbour was a little more unusual. In 1705, Fishmarket Close baker Adam Kerr complained about his upstairs neighbour - an Indian elephant. Kerr said the animal's dung and water damage was ruining his ovens. The elephant was owner by a Mr Abraham Sever.Having noisy upstairs neighbours is a nightmare, but for one Old Town bakery, their upstairs neghbour was a little more unusual. In 1705, Fishmarket Close baker Adam Kerr complained about his upstairs neighbour - an Indian elephant. Kerr said the animal's dung and water damage was ruining his ovens. The elephant was owner by a Mr Abraham Sever.
Having noisy upstairs neighbours is a nightmare, but for one Old Town bakery, their upstairs neghbour was a little more unusual. In 1705, Fishmarket Close baker Adam Kerr complained about his upstairs neighbour - an Indian elephant. Kerr said the animal's dung and water damage was ruining his ovens. The elephant was owner by a Mr Abraham Sever.

Edinburgh History: 8 fascinating facts about Edinburgh that even locals might not know

Callum McCormack
By Callum McCormack

News Features Writer

Published 13th Apr 2025, 04:45 BST

Edinburgh has a rich and interesting history with stories around every corner, here are some you might not have heard before.

The city is a treasure trove of stories that are both humorous and scandalous, we’ve picked out some of those fascinating facts about Edinburgh that you might not have heard before.

There are noisy neighbours, World-firsts and surprising resting places. Some of these Edinburgh facts are sure to surprise you.

Take a look below and let us know you’re surprising Edinburgh facts.

Ann Street in Stockbridge is responsible for a Christmas favourite - Quality Street. The street inspired Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie to write the 1901 play Quality Street, which in turn was used as the name and branding of the chocolate brand.

5. Inspiration for a Christmas favourite

Ann Street in Stockbridge is responsible for a Christmas favourite - Quality Street. The street inspired Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie to write the 1901 play Quality Street, which in turn was used as the name and branding of the chocolate brand. Photo: Getty Images

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Back in the late 1780s, businessman Sir John Clerk wagered that he could "between sunrise and sunset, make a road, extending nearly a mile in length, by twenty paces in breadth". Difficult to imagine now, impossible to imagine then. But Clerk rounded up hundreds of the city's unemployed to take on the task, "porter, whisky, and bread and cheese". By the end of the day the West End of Princes Street was connected with Bruntsfield Links.

6. Lothian Road was built in day

Back in the late 1780s, businessman Sir John Clerk wagered that he could "between sunrise and sunset, make a road, extending nearly a mile in length, by twenty paces in breadth". Difficult to imagine now, impossible to imagine then. But Clerk rounded up hundreds of the city's unemployed to take on the task, "porter, whisky, and bread and cheese". By the end of the day the West End of Princes Street was connected with Bruntsfield Links. Photo: TSPL

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Despite it's name, the Royal Mile isn't actually a mile - it's around 1.13 miles in length. The name is actually a relatively modern invention.

7. 06/05/23 EDINBURGH File pic of The Royal Mile looking to The Castle from Lawnmarket

Despite it's name, the Royal Mile isn't actually a mile - it's around 1.13 miles in length. The name is actually a relatively modern invention. | Scott Louden

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Edinburgh can lay claim to having the first city fire brigade. It celebrated 200 years last year. The Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment was the first municipal fire brigade in the world. James Braidwood was appointed as the first Master of Engines.

8. First fire brigade

Edinburgh can lay claim to having the first city fire brigade. It celebrated 200 years last year. The Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment was the first municipal fire brigade in the world. James Braidwood was appointed as the first Master of Engines. | TSPL Photo: David Moir

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