The Real Mary King’s Close Blog

8 Best History Podcasts to Listen to

17th Apr 2020

With 40 thousand different radio stations worldwide, radio is still one of the most frequently used audio technologies. The first human voice to be wirelessly transmitted was in 1900 by the Brazilian priest and inventor, Roberto Landell de Moura. By 1912 the first purpose-built radio factory opened its doors in Chelmsford, England; beginning the boom in the communication technology phenomenon. 

Little Annie and Edinburgh Charity Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids

29th Mar 2020

Inspired by the story of a little ghost called Annie, The Real Mary King’s Close has chosen Edinburgh-based charity Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids as their charity partner in 2020. Globally renowned, Annie’s heartbreaking story is ours to tell. Especially since her tale helps us raise awareness and funds for the underprivileged children and families in the local area who benefit from Cash for Kids’ fundamental work and activities.

• Food

Edinburgh’s Best Scones – A Recipe

1st Mar 2020

A slight sweetness, a touch of a buttery aroma and a bit of a crumble… how would you describe the perfect scone? Every morning before we open The Real Mary King’s Close and The Royal Exchange Coffee House to our guests, our chef prepares a fresh batch of scrumptious scones on site…. which are rumoured to be some Edinburgh’s best scones. They are our top-seller throughout the day even though the historically correct time to have a scone would actually be at 4:00pm on the dot. This would be when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, looking for a light snack before dinner commenced her afternoon tea in the 19th century. Anna Maria Russell’s considered the originator of the renowned British afternoon tea, so this recipe will enable you to follow in her footsteps – or her chefs’ footsteps. The method we use in our kitchen is adapted from Mary Berry’s famous scone recipe. Accurately following the recipe for preparing these scones is essential, however, keep in mind that using high-quality ingredients can also elevate your baking. 

• Events

5 Powerful Women from Edinburgh’s History

27th Feb 2020

Plagues, poverty and demanding kings: living through Edinburgh’s dark past would have been far from easy. Centuries controlled and retold only by men, it is hard to imagine the struggles women faced. This International Women’s Day we journey as far back as the 4th century to meet some of the powerful women from Edinburgh’s history who refused to be held back by their gender.  

Virtual Reality Prank – Meeting Edinburgh’s Plague Doctor in Real Life

31st Oct 2019

Did you know that the last outbreak of the plague in Edinburgh happened in 1645? Roughly 12,000 of Edinburgh’s residents died the slow and painful death thanks to being infected by bubonic, pneumonic or septicemic plague. However, there was a slight chance of survival if the Edinburgh Plague Doctor happened to treat you.