The hidden gem of Chessel’s Court in Edinburgh was part of a 19th-century urban renewal project led by the botanist and town planner, Sir Patrick Geddes. He believed in bringing green spaces back to the city to improve living conditions for residents. This remarkable collection of mansion houses was built by Wright and Merchant Chessel in 1748. As well as being of architectural interest, they may also have played a role in literary history. Some claim the novel ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ by Robert Louis Stevenson was inspired by a burglary that took place here. Part of Wiliam Brodie professional life involved him fitting and repairing locks and he would use this knowledge to burgle his wealthiest customers. He lived a double life where he split his time between socialising with the well-to-do of Edinburgh and leading a ruthless group of burglars. It was in a raid on an Excise Office in Chessels Court that Brodie was finally caught. Stevenson was fascinated by his story and many believe that the novel was inspired by these events.