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Mary Kings Close in Edinburgh is the ultimate time capsule. A warren of hidden streets where real people worked, lived and died between the 17th and 19th centuries. These streets were preserved when, in 1753, the Burgh authorities decided to develop the Royal Exchange and used parts of the lower sections of the Closes as the foundations of the new building.
The Royal Exchange building still stands but is now the City Chambers. Since 2003 guided parties of visitors have the opportunity to visit Mary King’s Close and other closes located deep below the Chambers. Some of these areas have not previously been accessible to the public.
This visitor attraction provides a fascinating first-hand insight into the lives of the people who lived in these narrow walkways. Visiting Mary King’s Close is one of the most fascinating things to do for both visitors to Edinburgh and locals. The site is an award winning world class heritage visitor attraction.
The information from the “time capsule” of the streets, has been supplemented by documentary evidence and other research. Mary King, after whom the Close was named, died in September 1644 and, in her will, she detailed belongings which she left to her children. These items included silver spoons, gowns, fabric, gold rings, tin chamber pots and much more. Visitors to the attraction will see a section of Mary King’s house, the interior of which has been recreated to include period furniture and household goods.
Other features of this visitor attraction are a Shrine Room – said to be haunted by the ghost of a little girl, a small “laigh” or low poor house, the home of a grave-digger’s family struck down with the plague – and even an urban cowshed!
As well as the guided tour, visitors have access to background research material and there is a 3 dimensional computer model of the warren of closes beneath the Edinburgh City Chambers.
Click for information on how to book.
For details of Mary King’s Ghost Fest 2007 from Friday 11 – Saturday 20 May please go to www.edinburghghostfest.com or call 08702 430160.
If you have visited Mary King’s Close or have suggestions for tourist attractions in Edinburgh (or across the UK) which you would like to recommend for inclusion on our site, please click on contact us.
Other articles and information on Edinburgh include:
Social and Activities Club – the Sunday Brunch Club
Food on Foot in Edinburgh
Places to Eat in Edinburgh
Places to Stay in Edinburgh
Things to Do in Edinburgh
© Local Service Guide Limited Things To Do and Visitor Attractions in Edinburgh| Mary Kings Close
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Edinburgh – Mary King’s Close, the Ultimate Time Capsule
Mary Kings Close in Edinburgh is the ultimate time capsule. A warren of hidden streets where real people worked, lived and died between the 17th and 19th centuries. These streets were preserved when, in 1753, the Burgh authorities decided to develop the Royal Exchange and used parts of the lower sections of the Closes as the foundations of the new building. The Royal Exchange building still stands but is now the City Chambers. Since 2003 guided parties of visitors have the opportunity to visit Mary King’s Close and other closes located deep below the Chambers. Some of these areas have not previously been accessible to the public.
This visitor attraction provides a fascinating first-hand insight into the lives of the people who lived in these narrow walkways. Visiting Mary King’s Close is one of the most fascinating things to do for both visitors to Edinburgh and locals. The site is an award winning world class heritage visitor attraction.
The information from the “time capsule” of the streets, has been supplemented by documentary evidence and other research. Mary King, after whom the Close was named, died in September 1644 and, in her will, she detailed belongings which she left to her children. These items included silver spoons, gowns, fabric, gold rings, tin chamber pots and much more. Visitors to the attraction will see a section of Mary King’s house, the interior of which has been recreated to include period furniture and household goods.Other features of this visitor attraction are a Shrine Room – said to be haunted by the ghost of a little girl, a small “laigh” or low poor house, the home of a grave-digger’s family struck down with the plague – and even an urban cowshed!
As well as the guided tour, visitors have access to background research material and there is a 3 dimensional computer model of the warren of closes beneath the Edinburgh City Chambers.
Click for information on how to book.
For details of Mary King’s Ghost Fest 2007 from Friday 11 – Saturday 20 May please go to www.edinburghghostfest.com or call 08702 430160.
If you have visited Mary King’s Close or have suggestions for tourist attractions in Edinburgh (or across the UK) which you would like to recommend for inclusion on our site, please click on contact us.
Other articles and information on Edinburgh include:
Social and Activities Club – the Sunday Brunch Club
Food on Foot in Edinburgh
Places to Eat in Edinburgh
Places to Stay in Edinburgh
Things to Do in Edinburgh
© Local Service Guide Limited Things To Do and Visitor Attractions in Edinburgh| Mary Kings Close