![]() ![]() ![]() Ainslie and Brown were caught and turned King’s Evidence on the rest of the gang. Although Brodie had planned the burglary himself, things went disastrously wrong. The temptation obviously proved too much for him when working on the locks of his customer’s houses, as he would copy their door-keys! This would allow him and his three accomplices in crime, Brown, Smith and Ainslie, to return at a later date to steal from them at leisure.īrodie’s last crime and ultimate downfall was an armed raid on His Majesty’s Excise Office in Chessel’s Court, on the Canongate. To support his night-time activities Brodie had the perfect day job, part of which involved making and repairing security locks and mechanisms. An extra-curricular activity that was necessary to support his extravagant lifestyle which included two mistresses, numerous children and a gambling habit. However, unknown to most gentlefolk, Brodie had a secret night-time occupation as the leader of a gang of burglars. A greatly respected member of Edinburgh‘s society, William Brodie (1741-88) was a skilful cabinet-maker and a member of the Town Council as well as deacon (head) of the Incorporation of Wrights and Masons. ![]()
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