In Edinburgh, the tavern at the corner of the Royal Mile and Lawnmarket is named after William Brodie, a respected cabinet maker, Deacon of Wrights and member of the Town Council. He was also a gambler with a passion for cockfighting who had two mistresses and five illegitimate children to support. In need of money he took to burglary. Through his daytime trade Brodie had access to the keys of many shops and houses. These he duplicated and with them managed to burgle the premises undetected. Suspicions were finally raised after he robbed the Exise Office. He fled the country but was arrested in Amsterdam and brought back to Edinburgh. Despite an eloquent defense by his counsel, Brodie was found guilty and condemned to death. On October 1st, 1788, he was hanged in front of the Old Tolbooth Prison with his accomplice George Smith. The Old Tolbooth Prison stood for over 400 years until it was demolished in 1817.

Source: Ediburgh, A Guide to The Royal Mile and Old Town.