The Real Mary King’s Close Blog
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Pride Month: Meet Robert Fergusson and Sophia Jex-Blake
27th May 2025
This June we are celebrating Pride Month. You can hear the real stories of Edinburgh’s former residents, in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland. Here is an introduction to Robert Fergusson and Sophia Jex-Blake, who you will meet on our Pride History tours.
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7 things you didn’t know about Edinburgh’s queer history
6th May 2025
This Pride History Month, we’re peeling back the layers of the past to uncover Edinburgh’s often-overlooked LGBTQIA+ stories. Our Pride History Tour at The Real Mary King’s Close takes you underground to meet the real people who challenged the norms, lived authentically, and left their mark on Scotland’s capital.
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7 Terrifying Facts About the Plague in Edinburgh
12th Mar 2025
The Plague. The Black Death. The Foul Pestilence. Whatever name you use, it remains one of the deadliest diseases in history. In the 17th century, Edinburgh was devastated by its 11th recorded outbreak, leaving thousands dead in just two years. The city’s attempts to control the disease ranged from plague doctors in beaked masks to gruesome medical treatments and even mass executions.
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Edinburgh’s Dark History: Mercat Cross
12th Jul 2024
At the top of Mary King’s Close lay the historic Mercat Cross, a crucial meeting point for the 17th-century residents. Here, news was exchanged, business deals were struck, and the dark side of justice was brutally displayed. The cries of the tortured echoed through the narrow streets, as punishment was meted out for all to witness.
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Iconic Mary King’s Close Residents’ Forgotten Gravestone Restored by Volunteers
2nd Apr 2024
Janet and David Chesney, the last residents of Mary King’s Close, now have their gravestone restored to its former glory thanks to dedicated volunteers.
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