Tag: Edinburgh History
Gin in Edinburgh
Gin is an incredibly popular drink now, but the craze began in the 1700s. Delve into the fascinating history of gin in Edinburgh. The Arrival of Gin in Edinburgh Gin was imported through the docks of Leith. It was the closeness to the docks that helped the gin trade flourish because distilleries were usually close …
READ MOREPride Month: Meet Robert Fergusson and Sophia Jex-Blake
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. Robert Fergusson Born in Edinburgh in 1750, the poet inspired the work of …
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READ MOREMary Queen of Scots married the Earl of Bothwell: on this day in 1567
On the 15th of May 1567 was a turning point in Scottish history. Mary Queen of Scots married her third husband, James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell. It led to a series of events that would bring the Queen to one of the closes now part of The Real Mary King’s Close. Mary’s First Marriage Mary …
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READ MOREThe Women’s Suffrage Movement in Edinburgh
Picture: Wikimedia Commons 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 …
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READ MOREThe Edinburgh Seven
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 …
READ MOREEdinburgh’s Storytellers: The City’s Legacy In Literature
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. Edinburgh’s Storytellers: Authors of …
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READ MOREWhat inspired Edinburgh’s street names?
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 …
READ MOREThe Burke and Hare murders
In 1828, Edinburgh was a European centre for studying anatomy. Pioneering anatomy teachers taught at the Royal College of Surgeons and dissected bodies during lectures in front of many eager students. However, the strict laws around which bodies could be used led to a shortage. Burke and Hare found a way to earn money from a desperate anatomist during this crisis in a terrifying chapter of Edinburgh’s history.
READ MOREEdinburgh’s Old Town and New Town: what is the difference?
During visits to Edinburgh you have likely passed through the Old Town and the New Town. You might have even wondered why the areas look so different, despite being so close to each other. The answer lies in their history.
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