The Grassmarket is an open area situated below Edinburgh Castle at the west end of the Cowgate. It was, for many centuries, an important venue for commercial and social activity in the Old Town. After King James III granted a charter in 1477 to allow the holding of markets, a weekly market was held here from the 15th to the early 20th century. Infamously, the Grassmarket was also the site of many public executions up until 1784, including perhaps most notorious of all, Half Hangit Maggie Dickson.
The Grassmarket fell into decline and its residents into poverty during the nineteenth century as prosperity moved to the New Town development. However, in recent years, the Grassmarket has returned to its roots becoming a popular tourist destination and home to many pubs, restaurants and independent shops.
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