William Brodie was born on September 28, 1741 in England. He learned the art of cabinet-making from his father and quickly became one of the most skilled craftsmen in Edinburgh. His talent and dedication to his work earned him a reputation as one of the best cabinet makers in the city.
With his skill and reputation, Brodie gained the trust of many wealthy clients who entrusted him with creating locks and keys for their valuable possessions. Little did they know, Brodie was secretly using his knowledge of lock mechanisms to create copies of keys and gain access to their homes and belongings.
Brodie's double life as a respected cabinet maker and a notorious criminal began to unravel when his burglaries became more frequent. His clever use of stolen keys allowed him to carry out elaborate heists without being detected. His criminal lifestyle eventually caught up with him, leading to his downfall.
William Brodie's infamous criminal activities inspired author Robert Louis Stevenson to write the classic novel "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." The story of a man leading a double life, one as a respected member of society and the other as a depraved criminal, mirrored Brodie's own life.
Brodie led a complicated personal life, having five children with two different mistresses. Despite his criminal activities, he was able to maintain these relationships and keep his secrets hidden from those closest to him.
Actor Billy Connolly brought Brodie's story to life in a TV movie called "Deacon Brodie." The film showcased Brodie's cunning tactics and the duality of his character, portraying him as both a skilled craftsman and a cunning criminal.
Despite his criminal actions, William Brodie's legacy lives on as a cautionary tale of how easily one's true nature can be concealed behind a facade of respectability.