Hidden away in a small cave, back in 1836, a group of young boys
discovered 17 miniature coffins, each containing a small wooden figure. Investigations by police found that the discovery could have a chilling back story.It is thought that the tiny coffins could be connected to the murders of Burke and Hare, which took place in Edinburgh in 1828.
Burke and Hare were a pair of Irish immigrants who committed a total of
16 murders and then sold the bodies to doctors for use in dissection
lectures. They were eventually caught and executed.
People believe that the coffins are connected to the killers because of the number. The belief is the 17 coffins represent the victims of Burke and Hare, along with the first body they sold (the man died of natural causes). Many of the figures were lost or destroyed, however, the remaining ones are currently on display at the National Museum of Scotland.
People believe that the coffins are connected to the killers because of the number. The belief is the 17 coffins represent the victims of Burke and Hare, along with the first body they sold (the man died of natural causes). Many of the figures were lost or destroyed, however, the remaining ones are currently on display at the National Museum of Scotland.
