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Tag: Scotland

Pride Month: Meet Robert Fergusson and Sophia Jex-Blake

10th Jun, 2022

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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Mary Queen of Scots married the Earl of Bothwell: on this day in 1567

13th May, 2022

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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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 …

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The Burke and Hare murders

5th Nov, 2021

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.

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Epidemics of 1645 and now: Old Problems, Same Solutions?

6th Sep, 2021

Earlier this year The Real Mary King’s Close broadcast a live virtual tour filled with interesting findings and acclaimed expertise from our knowledgeable guides and fellow history buffs. One certain history buff, Dr Aaron Allen, a Scottish History Expert from The University of Edinburgh decided to go one step further and compare the Epidemics of 1645 and now, detailing how the same old problems, sometimes require the same old solutions.

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The Close During the World Wars

20th Jul, 2021

Read more about an air raid shelter under Edinburgh’s City Chambers, a soldier bear and Mary King’s Close during the First and Second World War.

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Scotland’s Witch Prickers

14th Oct, 2020

Find out more about the insidious witch prickers who used to strike terror into the hearts of Edinburgh’s past residents.

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Whisky and The Close

13th Oct, 2020

In this blog post we look at how the history of The Real Mary King’s Close is intertwined with that of the famous Scottish spirit, whisky.

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The Great Fire Of Edinburgh

30th May, 2020

Delve deep into the history of one of Edinburgh’s biggest disaster in 1824 that took place only steps away from The Real Mary King’s Close today.

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