Category: History
7 things you didn’t know about Edinburgh’s queer history
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. Created with the support of LGBT …
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READ MORE7 Terrifying Facts About the Plague in Edinburgh
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 …
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READ MOREEdinburgh’s Dark History: Mercat Cross
The Gathering at Mercat Cross 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 …
READ MOREIconic Mary King’s Close Residents’ Forgotten Gravestone Restored by Volunteers
Blog article written by the Friends of Dalry Cemetery 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. Located in Dalry Cemetery, within the Gorgie/Dalry area of the city, the Chesneys’ burial site fell into disrepair following the closure …
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READ MOREThe Evolution of Midwifery
Learn About Midwifery in the 17th Century Midwifery in the 17th century was a common occupation for the women of Edinburgh. Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life stood figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the course of childbirth and women’s health. Meet Ms Mills Ms Mills resided on Kinloch Close, just a …
READ MOREHogmanay – What is it?
Hogmanay is the most important day of the year in Scotland. Please note that our opening hours will be 10am to 7pm on Sunday 31st December. Or at least, it used to be. Today, many Scots are more likely to celebrate Christmas over and above Hogmanay (a Scottish name for New Year’s Eve). However, that …
READ MOREA Short History of Christmas in Scotland
Christmas in Scotland – Why the Scots didn’t celebrate Christmas for over 400 years… The celebration of Christmas in Scotland is a surprisingly recent phenomenon. With just one week to go until Christmas, let’s take a stroll down Mary King’s Close to uncover how celebrations surrounding the festive season changed over time. Before the Reformation …
READ MOREWhy did Foul Clengers wear the St Andrews cross?
With St. Andrews Day happening at the end of this month, we’re taking a closer look at why Edinburgh’s Foul Clengers wore the St Andrew’s cross on their uniforms… In history, there are often unsung heroes who played pivotal roles during times of crisis. In 17th century Edinburgh, during its last outbreak of the plague …
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READ MOREEdinburgh’s Brewing History Was Made by Women
Did you know that Edinburgh’s ale brewing history dates back to the 12th century? Or that it was historically women who practised the trade? Read on to find out why brewing ale was essential to life in Edinburgh, and what happened for the industry to change hands from female entrepreneurs to men… To celebrate the …
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