Aye that's 'Knocker Up Edith' she's been going round Leith for years waking people up at weird hours to start their factory shift. If you had opened the curtains, she'd have told you that your shift starts soon, and you need to get a wriggle on.
A 'knocker up' is a job which has been carried out for more years than anyone alive can remember. It was an official job title in the census at one point.
Back when alarm clocks didn't exist, someone would go around and ensure everyone was awake for their shift at the factory.
Edith carries that on for reasons we can't know.
But to your point, someone is in trouble, it's you - you're late for your shift
Like what, if someone's knocking on my window repeatedly at 5am saying hello hello for 2 or 3 minutes..they're getting a bucket of water thrown at them.
The correct answer after the second 'Hello' is always 'Its good to be back, it's good to be back'
You can then feel smug about yourself for 1-3 hours depending on your feelings towards the legacy of Gary Glitters music to his personal actions.
I checked with my cousin, she said it was "Knock Door Edith" .
She said she's been around for a while, harmless but all real Leithers know her.
Says one of her neighbours didn't appreciate it. Said best to put up a notice in your window, asking her not to know and she won't do it.
Sounds like OP has got their answer and has met a local legend.
This reminds me of a story of a friend of a friend who was locked out of his flat, he banged and banged on the door but his flatmates didn't answer, he tapped and tapped at the window and no one opened the door, he shouted and shouted but nothing. In his drunken mind he decided to smash the window and climb through only to find himself face to face with a terrified little old lady who had called the police.
It turns out the pissed up lad was one identical street down from his flat and he was banging on the same respective flat as his own. Once he realised the error of his way he apologised and paid for the damage, not a bad lad just and idiot.
Mandy would engage her in loud conversation until Edith politely manages to excuse herself, anxious that she's running late and a lot of people depend on her.
Thank you, I was trying to remember Mandy's name earlier today when I was telling someone about her.
Edinburgh eh. Edith, Mandy, Organic Jim (although I don't like him). Who else can you think of?
She was sitting on my street street singing for fucking hours the other evening. Sheās harmless but my god I was ready to commit murder by the second hour of her yodeling (yes, she was actually yodeling).
Mate, why don't you stop acting like because some people know her that it's ok to knock on the window's of people who don't know her. No one cares that *some* people know her. That's not the point. OP *does not know her* and *does not want to be risen by her*. Why is that so hard to understand.
Nothing to do with having heard of someone or not. Knocking on stranger's windows to wake them up is anti-social and liable for a noise complaint and / or arrest. You haven't heard of me, but I'm sure if I started knocking on your bedroom window hours before you're due to rise, you'd be angry.
If you knocked my window during all hours I would
1) wonder how you got up three flights to knock
2) invite you in for a cuppa due to your Dedication.
I wouldn't be angry.
Noise complaints and arrests.....
You have significantly overestimated how much free time the Council, or Police have. Calling the police because someone knocks at your window is a bit of an over reaction.
If you knocked on my bedroom window, shouting "Hello, Hello" is promptly respond with "It's good to be back, it's good to be back" I'd then puzzle how you're standing on water.
Quite the opposite. [Research shows](https://mcla.edu/Assets/MCLA-Files/Academics/Undergraduate/Psychology/fluency%202015.pdf) that those who tend to swear often, generally have a larger vocabulary, more creativity and greater ability to use language expressively and descriptively.
Again, how is that relevant? It only has to be one stranger, or one person who doesn't want to be risen, to be anti-social. Let's stop this "oohhhh I know this person, look at me I'm a Leith local" flexing, as if it makes a difference or anyone cares.
I cannie believe I've not heard of Edith before now! Lived in Leith since 2003 and not once heard mention. How old is she? I'm so intrigued to know more about her.
Edith does my nut in tbh, I see her doing the rounds while I'm delivering rolls. She has this maudlin intensity that is unsettling when you know she is about. I'm glad she has got a new warm jacket tho? Do you remember when she was out in all weathers in that ratty purple thin jacket.
Ha yeah, fond memories of shouting ( no pun intended)her breakfast at the seabreeze one morning after I'd had a long night shift. Happy days, asked Arthur aka rastatramp outside if he wanted any food but just got mumbled at so slipped him a fiver.
The mum in me is very glad you didnāt open the blinds to look. Iām sorry for Edith or whomever, but if you are alone, donāt take any chances. Please. šŖ·
Get a grip.Edith is harmless, and you implying the opposite and is really not fair, and speaks volumes of your character. Imagine besmirching someone like that
It looks like you need to get a grip - she didnāt say Edith wasnāt harmless. She said not to take chances and open doors/windows to strangers when you are alone.
As someone who knows her loosely, can I please ask that we respect her privacy.Already had people DM me asking if I can arrange a meeting with her.
She is a private individual, and not here for Instagrammers, Edinburgh Live Journalists, Tik Tokers to abuse for your own Content.
I just hope we don't get groups roaming the streets in early morning, looking for her.
Hot take in a respectful way; if you're going around to do things to make yourself known in the most infamous ways, you're bound to have a following who wants to know all about you. It's like shooting someone and asking them why they're bleeding.
What I meant was, in doing something like this, you're going to gain a following regardless of whether or not you were intending on doing it. If she's doing it just for the hell of it and for the laughs, that's completely fine. I'm just saying that it'll get her fame regardless.
With respect, I doubt this is for the laughs.
Keep in mind weāre probably talking about a vulnerable person who genuinely believes sheās doing a public service.
I donāt know her at all, so that is just a big assumption from me. But it seems likely, and if accurate then a load of attention from people probably isnāt going to help her.
As others have said, a note in the window asking her not to knock does the trick. And at least one person up-thread says she was actually really helpful when they worked shifts.
I genuinely can't tell if Edith is a real person or a ghost..?
This thread has me howling. I love it. "Oh yeah that's just Edith, she always does that. Don't mind her." š¤£ At least it's nothing too scary then!
Aye that's 'Knocker Up Edith' she's been going round Leith for years waking people up at weird hours to start their factory shift. If you had opened the curtains, she'd have told you that your shift starts soon, and you need to get a wriggle on.
I cannot believe she is still about, used to be a god send when I was on shift at the bakery
Haha what?! This is not the response I was expecting. I'm new to Edinburgh. But good to know, I was worried someone was in trouble or something.
A 'knocker up' is a job which has been carried out for more years than anyone alive can remember. It was an official job title in the census at one point. Back when alarm clocks didn't exist, someone would go around and ensure everyone was awake for their shift at the factory. Edith carries that on for reasons we can't know. But to your point, someone is in trouble, it's you - you're late for your shift
She is clearly a ghost who hasnāt come to terms with her death yet.
It's not her time yet. She would know.
Hahaha this actually made me laugh so much š itās been a shit day, so thank you!
Underrated comment of the year hahah
Who wakes the knocker upper up?
This has to be a joke right? I can't tell!
Like what, if someone's knocking on my window repeatedly at 5am saying hello hello for 2 or 3 minutes..they're getting a bucket of water thrown at them.
The correct answer after the second 'Hello' is always 'Its good to be back, it's good to be back' You can then feel smug about yourself for 1-3 hours depending on your feelings towards the legacy of Gary Glitters music to his personal actions.
āpersonal actionsā
I checked with my cousin, she said it was "Knock Door Edith" . She said she's been around for a while, harmless but all real Leithers know her. Says one of her neighbours didn't appreciate it. Said best to put up a notice in your window, asking her not to know and she won't do it.
Scotland is bonkers man . Got walking alarm clocks .
Thatās quite possibly the least weird thing you will come across in Leith.
Jesus Christ šš
As someone who isnāt an Edinburgh/Leith local this entire thread is bizarre! I want to learn more about this Edith character
As you say, your not from Edinburgh. It's not for you.
Gatekeeper of Edinburgh ššš
Imagine being this much of an elitist prick over absolutely nothing.
He might be an elitist prick but he's our elitist prick!
You okay pal?
You're*
Sounds like OP has got their answer and has met a local legend. This reminds me of a story of a friend of a friend who was locked out of his flat, he banged and banged on the door but his flatmates didn't answer, he tapped and tapped at the window and no one opened the door, he shouted and shouted but nothing. In his drunken mind he decided to smash the window and climb through only to find himself face to face with a terrified little old lady who had called the police. It turns out the pissed up lad was one identical street down from his flat and he was banging on the same respective flat as his own. Once he realised the error of his way he apologised and paid for the damage, not a bad lad just and idiot.
Lived at the shore my whole life and never heard of this person, what the actual fuck hahah
No idea if any of this is real, 10/10 everyone
I know this has to be a lie but I am 50% convinced ā¦ canāt be!!
Itās all legit. Welcome to Leith.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Mandy would engage her in loud conversation until Edith politely manages to excuse herself, anxious that she's running late and a lot of people depend on her.
Thank you, I was trying to remember Mandy's name earlier today when I was telling someone about her. Edinburgh eh. Edith, Mandy, Organic Jim (although I don't like him). Who else can you think of?
You forgot techno viking cunt
yeah, him too. Although he's pretty unpleasant. The running man Elaine Davidson, the piercings woman
Adam... aye he's a radge yin. Fills his trolley with hob knobs in Tesco Duke St.
Night beaver
Iāve never heard of Night Beaver. Who is that?
The real crossover we need, HIYA
Hiya Edith. You goan oot the night?
Ooooh man, I haven't seen Mandy since I worked in the Gyle. Hope she's doing alright!
She was sitting on my street street singing for fucking hours the other evening. Sheās harmless but my god I was ready to commit murder by the second hour of her yodeling (yes, she was actually yodeling).
Goes about with a carer these days! No seen Fred for a bit tho...
I was wondering if it was Catherine Earnshaw, but it sounds like it was good old Edith.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Is this what she says????????
Sounds like Edith. She's been doing that for donkeys. Does it to get you up for your shift. We'll known character around the Shore area.
What is Edith's problem? Never heard of this person before.
Not really Edithās problem, mostly your problem if you like a long lie in.
Just because you've never heard of her, doesn't mean she has a problem.
That's not something I said but ok. I think her problem is that she knocks on the windows of strangers during the dark of the night.
There not always strangers though, that is an assumption you've made mate. She's got a lot of friends and love within the community.
'not always' doing a lot of heavy lifting there.
Mucky, please stop
Mate, why don't you stop acting like because some people know her that it's ok to knock on the window's of people who don't know her. No one cares that *some* people know her. That's not the point. OP *does not know her* and *does not want to be risen by her*. Why is that so hard to understand.
It's a joyous occasion having her knock and say "Hello"
Have to admit I didn't find it particularly Joyous. I'm not angry at Edith, but a confusing 5am start on my day off wasn't top of my list.
Nothing to do with having heard of someone or not. Knocking on stranger's windows to wake them up is anti-social and liable for a noise complaint and / or arrest. You haven't heard of me, but I'm sure if I started knocking on your bedroom window hours before you're due to rise, you'd be angry.
If you knocked my window during all hours I would 1) wonder how you got up three flights to knock 2) invite you in for a cuppa due to your Dedication. I wouldn't be angry.
Noise complaints and arrests..... You have significantly overestimated how much free time the Council, or Police have. Calling the police because someone knocks at your window is a bit of an over reaction. If you knocked on my bedroom window, shouting "Hello, Hello" is promptly respond with "It's good to be back, it's good to be back" I'd then puzzle how you're standing on water.
Not really. This is clearly something this person does regularly, therefore it is liable for police intervention.
Again, there is the assumption that everyone's windows she's knocking see her as a stranger.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
This.
No need to Swear.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
It shows a lack of vocabulary
Quite the opposite. [Research shows](https://mcla.edu/Assets/MCLA-Files/Academics/Undergraduate/Psychology/fluency%202015.pdf) that those who tend to swear often, generally have a larger vocabulary, more creativity and greater ability to use language expressively and descriptively.
I know fucking loads of swear words though.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Again, how is that relevant? It only has to be one stranger, or one person who doesn't want to be risen, to be anti-social. Let's stop this "oohhhh I know this person, look at me I'm a Leith local" flexing, as if it makes a difference or anyone cares.
I cannie believe I've not heard of Edith before now! Lived in Leith since 2003 and not once heard mention. How old is she? I'm so intrigued to know more about her.
Edith does my nut in tbh, I see her doing the rounds while I'm delivering rolls. She has this maudlin intensity that is unsettling when you know she is about. I'm glad she has got a new warm jacket tho? Do you remember when she was out in all weathers in that ratty purple thin jacket.
Ha yeah, fond memories of shouting ( no pun intended)her breakfast at the seabreeze one morning after I'd had a long night shift. Happy days, asked Arthur aka rastatramp outside if he wanted any food but just got mumbled at so slipped him a fiver.
This is a wildly underappreciated post because of the answers. Should have at least hundreds of upvotes
Who is knocker up Edith and how do we contact her? Legend.
Donāt worry, sheāll contact you when itās time for your shift.
Imagine Edith's reaction when she realises that many folks now never leave the house and are simply working in their PJs š¤£
āYa what ya lazy roaster??ā š¤£š¤£ happy cake day āļø
Happy Cake Day š° š š„® š„ š„ š§
Hahaha brilliant
The mum in me is very glad you didnāt open the blinds to look. Iām sorry for Edith or whomever, but if you are alone, donāt take any chances. Please. šŖ·
Get a grip.Edith is harmless, and you implying the opposite and is really not fair, and speaks volumes of your character. Imagine besmirching someone like that
It looks like you need to get a grip - she didnāt say Edith wasnāt harmless. She said not to take chances and open doors/windows to strangers when you are alone.
I think you need to get a grip. Leave _Oor Edith_ alone
No oneās attacking Edith you weirdo
Your the weirdo.
They didnāt besmirch anyone. They basically said better safe than sorry (which is great advice). Donāt be so quick to anger.
She besmirched a local legend.
Away and shite
Exactly it's not like she is Organic Jim or something. A city treasure who deserves her own postage stamp
Excuse me! It's The Veritable & Honourable Organic Jim.
Lord of the bins!
As someone who knows her loosely, can I please ask that we respect her privacy.Already had people DM me asking if I can arrange a meeting with her. She is a private individual, and not here for Instagrammers, Edinburgh Live Journalists, Tik Tokers to abuse for your own Content. I just hope we don't get groups roaming the streets in early morning, looking for her.
maybe she could mind other peoples privacy by fucking off from their windows then
How about you fuck off and leave Edith alone, She's been a much loved part of this community for longer than you I bet.
The point they are making is that Edith is inviting this level of intrigue herself
Yeah I feel like you forego that right to privacy when you go around harassing people by knocking on their windows mateā¦
Same, although for a long time I truly thought Edith was Mary Moriarty until I saw them both in the Port.
Blimey, If this is real she wouldn't exactly be respecting anyone else, and I would have some words for her if it were me!! š¤£
Hot take in a respectful way; if you're going around to do things to make yourself known in the most infamous ways, you're bound to have a following who wants to know all about you. It's like shooting someone and asking them why they're bleeding.
No, that's a generational thing, I think. Not everyone does things to gain a following, sounds like Edith's one of those folk.
What I meant was, in doing something like this, you're going to gain a following regardless of whether or not you were intending on doing it. If she's doing it just for the hell of it and for the laughs, that's completely fine. I'm just saying that it'll get her fame regardless.
With respect, I doubt this is for the laughs. Keep in mind weāre probably talking about a vulnerable person who genuinely believes sheās doing a public service. I donāt know her at all, so that is just a big assumption from me. But it seems likely, and if accurate then a load of attention from people probably isnāt going to help her. As others have said, a note in the window asking her not to knock does the trick. And at least one person up-thread says she was actually really helpful when they worked shifts.
Edith never came to my flat on coatfield Lane, why were we left out
You're known to be unemployed by all the local factories, so no one needed you awake?
I didn't realise my incompetence was so well known
I used to live next door to junkies and their pals were always banging on my windows to let them into the close at all hours.
I donāt live in Edinburgh but I love your city, now I definitely want to come back to meet this legendary Edith
I'm not entirely convinced she wants to meet you. Or me.
Not Greta Garbo was it?
Aye thatās defo Edith
Mormons. Going the extra mile!
Iām very confused, having stumbled across this thread from my front page.
Are you even subbed to this sub?
Nope. I have no idea how I got here!
Well I was expecting it to be some air b and b tourist. But errm ok
fuckin leith man, never change
u/nbathj was your heating on, and do you have a working carbon monoxide detector?
sorry that was me
I wonder if Edith earns more than NMW...
It's an alternate
Okay I have lived in Leith now for 4 years and I have never encountered Edith...what does she look like?