The Real Mary King’s Close Blog

The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Edinburgh

2nd Mar 2022

The Women’s Suffrage Movement was the campaign for women to have the right to vote. The campaign started after the rejection of an amendment to the Parliamentary Reform Act that John Stuart Mill MP proposed in 1867. Women’s suffrage societies established across the U.K, including Edinburgh. This women’s history month, explore this interesting history of the women’s suffrage movement in Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh Seven

2nd Mar 2022

The Edinburgh Seven brought nationwide attention to the campaign for women to be able to attend university. They were the first female matriculated undergraduate students at a British university. The Edinburgh Seven was formed of: Sophia Jex-Blake, Isabel Thorne, Edith Pechley, Matilda Chaplin, Helen Evans, Mary Anderson and Emily Bovell. In 1869 they started studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. However, it was ruled they never should have been accepted. This Women’s History Month, explore this chapter in Edinburgh’s history.

Edinburgh’s Storytellers: The City’s Legacy In Literature

8th Feb 2022

Edinburgh and Scotland have a rich literary history. 2022 is Scotland’s Year of Stories, dedicated to celebrating stories inspired by, written or created in Scotland. Some of the world’s best storytellers have connections to Edinburgh and the city has inspired bestselling novels, sometimes including mentions of The Real Mary King’s Close.

• Events

Burns Night: History and Traditions

8th Jan 2022

Every January, Scotland celebrates one of the most famous people from the country’s history: Robert Burns. As Burns Night approaches, it’s the perfect time to learn about why and how the day is celebrated. You can even learn about an interesting connection he has to The Real Mary King’s Close.  

What inspired Edinburgh’s street names?

14th Dec 2021

The Real Mary King’s Close is not the only street in Edinburgh with an interesting story behind its name. In a city with such a rich history, it’s not surprising that the street names reflect its past. Have you wondered what inspired Edinburgh’s street names while strolling through the city? Read on to find your answers!