3 things on the Royal Mile you might miss | Edinburgh

In this weeks Edinburgh Vlog we take a walk round the Royal mile to find 3 little things you might miss as you walk round Scotlands capitol City. We visit Cannonball house to see the actual cannon ball in the wall by Edinburgh Castle. We walk down the mile and the Grassmarket to find the 4 Wellheads dotted around the city. Then we finish at the bottom of the mile by Holyrood Palace to see the Sanctuary stones.
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[@nwolf9591]

Papa Broonford I am a loyal member of Clan Broonford. I love your rambles and rants. I especially like little "mystery" walks that point out cool features of old town and pass along any history that you can find for it. Please keep going as long as you can! Some repetition as part of a different walk is always great because different history comes along with it. The star personality interviews are fun as well. Best wishes for your little family (Kirsten, kids, and dogs) your greater international family. A loyal member from Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA.

[@josh0g]

My first visit to Scotland was only to the West Coast. I went to Oban and Glasgow, and spent Easter week on Isle of Iona at the end of a semester abroad. That was way back in 2010, and I ended up stuck in Belfast when the volcano in Iceland erupted a couple weeks later. Next year, my wife and I are doing London, Oxford and Edinburgh. We had planned a longer trip originally, but that was pre-covid and pre-parenthood. So we have a shorter trip now without Isle of Skye and without getting to revisit the West Coast. We're going without the kiddo, and can't imagine being away from her as long as the original trip was going to be. Nonetheless, we're really excited to visit. For my wife, it will be the first time to the UK, and she's always wanted to go. Glad to find your channel, and I'll be watching more of your videos to prep for the trip.

[@harrycday6528]

Tony, when you were at the Cannon Ball House almost opposite you on the right hand side going up to the esplanade is a plaque showing that was the place where they burned witches at the stake. A couple of steps in front of it was where I used to stand at the end of each performance of the Tattoo. I was a volunteer ticket barrier steward for 15 years the reason I stood there was to watch for anyone having problems such as a wheelchair user, etc. etc to go and help them in the crowd.At the end of one of the shows there were two ladies standing there maybe looking for some friends. I went and spoke to them and made them aware what this site had been used for, so they left rather hurriedly, and I got my look out point back.😂😂😂

[@ClanBroonford]

Thats brilliant.

[@juliewilliamson4977]

I've seen the s' many times as I live nearby. Always meant to look them up. Cheers

[@arejaycee5704]

In the 1970s every summer holidays my Dad used to take us for a day out in Edinburgh across the Rail Bridge from Fife. Love your sights and stories and really need to get back to Edinburgh and check out all the interesting things you've talked about.

[@racheltaylor6578]

I love the White Horse Inn close down near Holyrood.Its so nice.I think the coaches used to leave from there to go to London.I didn’t know the story about the S on the pavement.You learn something new every day.

[@mikeandjuliecarson5067]

See you in March! Can't wait!

[@glendapark1474]

I love these types of videos. They are perhaps my favorite ones because..... I AM THAT person who holds on to these little known facts to WOW my friends lol. They all expect it now though. It's their joke. Anyway, keep all videos coming. I truly love Edinburgh!

[@iloveejbgssnoopy]

Great minds think alike Tony is great and I want to go back

[@iloveejbgssnoopy]

Glenda he is great

[@pennycooperider6234]

I’m soooo enjoying all this great information. I’m excited about going in August & with your videos, I feel less overwhelmed with what I need to see & do - plus seeing the videos & your explanations helps tremendously! Keep up the good work!

[@PolitistikosOmilos]

Thank you for your videos of Edinburgh Is the most beautiful city in the world!!!!!

[@ClanBroonford]

Couldn't agree more!

[@harrycday6528]

When you were pointing out the canonball in the end of the building ,opposite side is the weaving shed . This building was the storage tank for the supply to the well heads before being developer as the weaving shed. Previously I think I mentioned to you the site of the plaque that marks the place where wiches were burnt at the stake.It is past the weaving shed going on to the corner of the Castle Esplanade a couple of little steps in front of it where I used to stand as a volunteer barrier steward when the Tattoo was over looking for any aged or disabled person wheelchair user to assist them through the crowds.Once a night Monday to Friday and twice on a Saturday where there are two shows then. Best wishes enjoy watching your videos. Aged 91 , Edinburgh born. 👍

[@ClanBroonford]

I knew about the witched well. Made a video just about the witch history here in Edinburgh a while ago. Did not know about the storage tank though. Thanks

[@stuartwatkins171]

Never noticed the well heads on the Royal mile before. I’ll have a look at them when I’m out on tour today.

[@DavidAtchison121]

Beautiful day today

[@jdr1002]

Anyone who grew up in Edinburgh must have gone on school trips to the Castle and Holyrood House so should know about the cannon ball and the sanctuary line, but good on you for flagging them up for visitors! Now, the well heads, they aren't called that cos of the wee faces on them; all wells have heads which are the bit above ground. Still I'd like to see them brought back into use, maybe for refilling water bottles while strolling about town?

[@ClanBroonford]

It would be great to see them working again. Thanks for the correction. Love learning new things.

[@carolynmurtaza1180]

I'm from Edinburgh and the last story, I knew about the sanctuary but not the S on the road. On the wells it talks about the Castle hill reservoir, well that was the building across from the cannonball house. It is now the Tartan weaving mill. Just looked it up but the sanctuary building was across the road from the Queens gallery...The Abby sanctuary gift shop.

[@lilyofthevalley5586]

Tony, you are hilarious! 😂

[@PolitistikosOmilos]

I like it a lot. Thank you!!! Lot of nice memories. My son study in edibrogh. Lothian in that beautiful building opposite Ali's cave. That building is flats. I came to Edinburgh more than 20 times. I love it!

[@ClanBroonford]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@InnaNica]

OH GOD !! i miss Edinburgh SOOOO MUCH !!!! and the second you walked in to the Grassmarket and i saw the "mussel & steak" behind you i wanted to cry we stayed in a apartment there !! just love your country is my second favorite place in Europe.

[@gordontaylor3489]

I must try and watch for you walking around filming. I'd love to come up and say 'Hello'. Thanks again for the great videos. Gordon Taylor.

[@trevalondon5580]

I could absolutely listen to you talk ALL day!! Thanks for posting! I hope to make it to Scotland someday!

[@ClanBroonford]

Thank you very much.

[@MyFavoritePlaces_]

Buen video, mi gustó mucho, . Soy un enamorado de Edimburgo y todo Escocia. Un saludo.

[@ClanBroonford]

Muchas gracias. Me alegra que hayas disfrutado el video.

[@MyFavoritePlaces_]

@@ClanBroonford Me suscribo, para poder ver los próximos. Saludos y gracias.

[@grannyma]

Thanks for the tour.... I noticed these wellheads whilst my walking about Edinburgh, in summer of 2018.... I didn't see the Ss though... cool

[@jamesd.wheeler6190]

A saturday morning without Brooney is not so good! I'd watch these even if you just read CEREAL BOXES! Keep em coming lad!

[@ClanBroonford]

Thank you very much.👍😀

[@stephaniemaloney4324]

Tony, I watch your videos from Anerica and love them! Know what's almost as funny as you? The closed captions. 🤣 If you ever want someone who understands a Scottish accent to transcribe your videos, let me know!

[@ClanBroonford]

I have watched the auto titles before. It is very funny.

[@natashafrancis3799]

I’m so excited!! I’m visiting Edinburg in a few months!

[@GS-zp8zh]

Selfies at the wells ... how about calling them "Well-fies"? Maybe that could catch on? Anyway, always enjoy your videos of my beloved Edinburgh, so keep up the good work!

[@gordontaylor3489]

Hi Tony, I'm glad that I stumbled across your videos. I arrived here today (01/10/21) for a long weekend. I will be walking up and down the Royal Mile at some point and will look out for the wellheads. I'm also glad that I subscribed to your channel. Best wishes, Gordon Taylor, Methil in Fife.

[@Rain-Peters]

You are so lucky to live in Scotland. My dream.

[@lynns.1855]

I love old buildings, so naturally I think Edinburgh is the prettiest place ever! Great video

[@ClanBroonford]

Thank you so much. It is a stunning city.

[@mariabarrick5495]

Thank you Tony for taking us with you on all your walks around the most beautiful city in the world (I think). I have been there three times, but each of your informative and entertaining videos shows me new and amazing things. I look forward to each and every one of your videos. Thank you for bringing Edinburgh alive for us. I think you are truly fortunate to live in this amazing city.

[@NorCalCJ]

My wife and I will be visiting Edinburgh for a couple of days in just a few weeks. These videos have been very helpful in deciding how we want to spend our limited time. Thanks for making them!

[@ClanBroonford]

Thanks for watching them, hope you have a great time.

[@Tinajacobsen1984]

Love your videos. I can't wait for my first trip to Edinburgh in September. :D

[@ClanBroonford]

Hope you have an incredible visit. 👍

[@jcfh19981]

I’ll be there for my second visit this September too! Can’t wait.

[@williammuir7606]

There are two stories about why it is there, The first story, which gunners dismiss as impossible, is that the cannonball was fired from the castle in 1745 and that it was aimed at Holyrood Palace, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was in residence during his march south (Edinburgh's allegiances were divided on this attempt by the Stuarts to regain the British throne). The second, more prosaic story is that the cannonball was carefully placed here by engineers to mark the precise height above sea-level of the fresh springs at Comiston, in the hills seven miles to the south, which provided Edinburgh with its first piped supply of fresh water, in about 1621.

[@ClanBroonford]

Loving you facts. I did see both of these stories. The second one sounds most plausible.

[@harrycday6528]

Tony never mentioned the building opposite the Canonball House, this was the reservoir tanks that held the water to supply the wells with their water supply.Think they were changed in the development of this site in recent years.👍

[@ClanBroonford]

You guys obviously know way, way more than me. I just enjoy sharing these stories. If you ever know good stories you think would make good video I would love to learn more.

[@joseleoncio-santoandre-bra432]

Good job man Thank you 👍😎

[@lilyofthevalley5586]

Gee Tony, I had no idea about the 3 S's! In fact, I never noticed them. Will check again. Thanx for that info! 👍

[@DavidAtchison121]

I went out for my morning coffee after watching this video. I walked up cockburn street to Starbucks and when I came out I looked and saw one of the well heads. I saw one more a few blocks up the roads. Thanks for pointing those out.

[@jwallace3595]

Very interesting! Thanks

[@maobfh]

I feel like I just walked down the Royal Mile! #1 on my bucket list. KZbin led me from today's video in the snow to 7 random facts to here. Done just before I knew (of) you. Please do more of these!! You're a genius!

[@ClanBroonford]

Thanks so much. Haze almost 200 videos on here about Edinburgh and Scotland, hopefully there are more you can enjoy.

[@ewerthondalta3409]

another great video to watch in a saturday morning here.

[@LisaBrounstein]

Tony, it's like you made this video especially for us! We are going to be in Edinburgh for 2 days. We will be attending the Military Tattoo and eating at The Cannonball. Thank you, thank you! I hope we get to see you too. PS. We definitely want to try The Haggis Box...

[@ClanBroonford]

Hope you have a great time. 👍

[@harrycday6528]

I know you will enjoy your visit to my home city of Edinburgh, weather permitting ? 👍

[@LisaBrounstein]

Harry C Day Thank you! That reminds me of that great Billy Connolly quote, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.” I’m sure we will have an amazing time!

[@harrycday6528]

Lisa Brounstein thank you for reminded me of the “ Big Yins “comment. Always some wise cracks between Edinburgh and Glasgow folks😂😂 i.e. The only good thing that comes out of Glasgow is the Edinburgh train. 😂😂

[@barbarahallowell2613]

I love the 3 sanctuary S's. I'm visiting Edinburgh for the first time on 24 Sept, and I will be looking forward to hunting them down!

[@dreamcaster1969]

Liked how you were working your way down towards the Haggis box lol

[@ClanBroonford]

Yeah, didn't get there this time.

[@robertseifert1066]

Great facts about a great City

[@reneemellott8612]

Thank you!!

[@ClanBroonford]

No worries!

[@Zamode68]

An endless plethora of wonderful history and beauty every Saturday, along with your humor. That was one impressive, non-breathless, self-described rambling sentence at the beginning! 👍🏻🏆 Very interesting tidbit about the S marks!

[@danispenelli5470]

Great Job, Tony! We passed those Wellheads and didn't even think to read the plaques. Thank you for showing us! Awesome!

[@ClanBroonford]

Thats what i am here for. lol

[@DavidAtchison121]

Awesome video. Enjoying Edinburgh very much.

[@Natalia-ob6bd]

The cannon ball embedded into the building The wellheads S on the ground Thanks!!

[@Rain-Peters]

Also I want to know more about Mary King’s close. Supposed to be haunted! I would love to go there on Halloween for some fun.

[@brigittekropielnicki2805]

I’m finally here! I love the royal mile! Your videos are really helpful! Thanks!

[@elaishaley]

Thanks so much Tony for your amazing and very informative Videos. I’ll be spending my 30th birthday in Edinburgh in 2 months and i can’t wait to be there. It’s my first solo trip and I’m not even nervous about it at all anymore because i feel like i already know all the important things there is to know. :)

[@ClanBroonford]

So glad they have helped you. Hope you have an amazing time.

[@sandybutton243]

I guarantee you: you will love it. I spent my 30th birthday there, too (back in 2006) And I try to return since then each year....

[@elaishaley]

Sandy Button that’s amazing. I can’t wait. :)

[@urbangypsie253]

Another great informative video, I didn't know about the sanctuary line place so thanks for that Tony I'm really enjoying your videos great work 🙂

[@bjoeljones]

Braw video, Tony. I knew the stands for the Tattoo were big, but seeing them in this video make the seem massive. Thank you for explaining the back histories of Cannonball House and the Sanctuary Line, quite interesting. It was good to see the wellheads on the Mile again, was not aware there was the one in Grassmarket. Slàinte.

[@thekeltickoala1650]

wandered to the haggis shop and eat what I thought was the best haggis I had. Thanks for the tip

[@dreamcaster1969]

Have to check that out next time

[@tucacipriani1659]

Hi Tony, very interesting these 3 things. I liked the cannon ball and the 3 S, must to see next time. Of course I trust you! Thank you Tony. 😍

[@jenniferkupay9701]

Love this! Great little tidbits to look for on our trip!

[@VanTasticTraveling]

Nice to find a fellow Scotland vlogger :) Keep up the good work!

[@ClanBroonford]

Hello. Subscribed and looking forward to watching your vids. 👍

[@thatswhatisaidCA]

Very good! Thank you so much! Hope to run into you mid September!

[@marcanderson1044]

fantastic video. thank you, ive got a few days there in november and will be trying to see as much as i can. thinking of starting with arthurs seat depending on the weather.

[@myronyoshioka8742]

This was a great video...truly interesting

[@deanward3445]

Great job. Love it! Sarah and I like the odd bits. The unusual story’s. The stories that are being lost to time. I remember seeing the S’s when we were there 2 years ago I had no idea what they represented. Now I do thanks to you. Now I get in impress my family with some amazing historical information in 2 weeks when we are there. Ahh.... look at who’s the fart smeller now!

[@ClanBroonford]

You can properly impress.

[@Japanican269]

I'm in Manchester on layover right now. I'll be in Edinburgh tomorrow evening.

[@CannonRanger1]

Another reason to go back to Edinburgh!

[@mariacandidaalbuquerque9661]

Your videos are getting better and better. Amazing vid, yeah that s true i didn t know.

[@ClanBroonford]

Thank you so much.

[@ninettegok5378]

I love this kind of information. I love history and learning how things were in earlier times. Rambling in the beginning was funny. I am happy to know you are meeting some of your subscribers.

[@ClanBroonford]

Thank you so much.

[@veronicarains2276]

Hi Tony, as we where spoting things .bid you spot the blue sign on then lampposts behind you at the queens house with welcom in different languages.. me being a bit odd would have taken a photo of that . 🤣 love the cannonball like to think someone at the castle was really bad shot.

[@ClanBroonford]

I have not noticed that, but i will look next time.

[@dtreski03]

Please do an Burke and Hare. That would be great. I did one of the underground ghost tours and they showed us one of the places Burke and Hare smuggled bodies through.

[@susanpatton1748]

Really great video. I hope I run into you in October. I learn something new every video. Keep up the good work.

[@treelimbtlc]

Love your videos. Coming in August. Can't wait, and your videos helped even more.

[@thatscottishcouple1006]

Such a shame that all the Wells don't have their heads. We love looking at random stuff like that. Very cool about the sanctuary line too.

[@johnwatson9702]

Have you ever done a blog on the Camera Obscura?

[@mancajagodic1147]

I will be so cool explaing my friend this details😍

[@susanne7955]

I was looking for a Whale Head, ohhhh, Well Head. LOL

[@MelissaMartinez-kq6dk]

This bought memories of my short week trip there :(

[@ClanBroonford]

Good memories hopefully.

[@lilyofthevalley5586]

And in front of Gladstone's Land! 😀

[@thundermage13]

Hi Tony! We'll be arriving in Edinburgh on Monday; can't wait! We were there in 2015 and found a shop with curiosities and interesting things, like balsa wood planes and optical illusion posters (and so much more). I think I remember a huge, old globe? We loved the place, but can't remember it's name or the street it was on. Do you remember a place like that? If so, please remind us how to get there. I'm worried that it's now one of the Harry Potter stores, and if so, I hope they just moved location. We love your videos; thanks for allowing us to feel like we are in our fave city, even when we are far away.

[@ClanBroonford]

I think it might be the harry potter style shop on cockburn street you are talking about.

[@thundermage13]

Thanks mate!

[@mickcairns5182]

Yet another great Video i have walked up and down the mile so many times yet i knew nothing about the 3 S for people that needed sanctuary and also i cant wait for my next visit to Edinburgh to show my grandchildren the cannon ball that is lodged in that building . i have a question for you mate on my last visit to your beautiful city there was a old gentleman who told me a story of a policeman who by all accounts was not very law abiding himself and was hanged by some angry locals on the grassmarket he said there is a plaque in the grassmarket about this story but ive never been able to find this plaque have you any idea where this can be found any help would be gratefully received all the best Mick.

[@ClanBroonford]

No idea. But I will try to find out.

[@AnnieMee]

the plaque is in one of the arches facing the well head at the foot of victoria street ..porteous riot is the story ;-)

[@brunobillion3435]

Opposite the Cannonball House is the Witch fountain, a memorial to the witches that were killed in Edinburgh.

[@ClanBroonford]

Oh i know. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIuXZYiKfcllZtk

[@myronyoshioka8742]

You should sell a t shirt with the new logo.....would love to buy one

[@ClanBroonford]

Maybe one day.

[@Cityheart221]

Are you allowed to film the Scottish games? Or can you tell us more about them? We have some here once a year. I wondered if it were the same activities in Scotland.

[@ClanBroonford]

Do you mean the Highland games?

[@Cityheart221]

@@ClanBroonford I believe so.

[@francish5401]

Don't forget a famous film was made. The film made in 1960 battle of sexes Peter sellers. Filmed all round Edinburgh

[@susanvinson2667]

The one with the different faces are comedy and tragedy. Is it near where the old theatre was originally?

[@ClanBroonford]

Should have thought of that. The assembly dance hall used to be near hat spot.

[@susanvinson2667]

That’s what I love about your videos. These details and historic detective work. Lol! Plus I love architecture details too.

[@davidmiller1923]

That last Wellhead which still has its faces was built by the King's MASTER MASON...an interesting tidbit for a Freemasonry video..

[@FKNANGRYBRIT]

Not sure you will have heard of this one. An old GF schooled me on it in our teens. Not sure if it's true or whatever. The Royal Mile primary school is supposed to be haunted by a green lady. The story is the head master in years gone by had disposed of his wife, non breathing style and put her body down the well near the school gates. The schooll especially the attic area has apparently had sightings and the odd thing happen. Her time at the Royal Mile primary she stated was not nice. That old GF is quite big on spirituality and attended the Edinburgh spiritual society that the late Rev Grant of Greyfriars covenanters connection where he had passed with an unexpected heart condition. I would love to know if that old GF was spot on with the history of that school.

[@noonesflower]

You did make a mistake there about the sanctuary area. It's the CREDITORS who wish to harm the debtors. You said the debtors were coming to inflict the harm.

[@allandavies1187]

Re, Cannonball we were told that it was a marker for a water tower on the opposite side of the road which would show the height of the water. Perhaps it may be something that you can research yourself…

[@DavidAtchison121]

I was just there.

[@lonieschlefke693]

Whale heads? What? What?? Whale heads?? Really? There are wh...Oooooh, WELL heads! (love the accent, miss Edinburgh)

[@ClanBroonford]

LOL.

[@DavidAtchison121]

Sorry to keep commenting on this post. I'm on my way home to California now after 3 weeks in the UK. Not that it matters but I liked Edinburgh and Scotland way more than London.

[@ClanBroonford]

Its not a problem, comment as much as you like. I hope you had a great time. have a safe trip home.

[@DavidAtchison121]

@@ClanBroonford Cheers. One of the highlights was the sunny warm day in Dunbar and at belhaven beach. Absolutely beautiful spot!! The water was very nice and warmer than I thought it would be. And Dunbar is a lovely beach side town.

[@allandavies1187]

Re, Well Heads. I believe behind it was a restaurant which was run by one of the 2 Fat Ladies (cooks) Clarissa Dickson. If it goes quiet in the pub tonight, then throw that one in. LoL

[@Crosshatch1212]

All those beautiful well heads and plaques have now been stolen the plaques where replaced but the mask heads are gone .

[@hopese123]

You’re so cute lol