The Real Mary King’s Close Blog

• RMKC Facts

Is Mary King’s Close the same as the vaults?

18th Jul 2023

Is Mary King’s Close the same as the vaults? It’s a question that Edinburgh’s Tour Guides are more than familiar with. Mary King’s Close and the vaults certainly share a reputation for existing as part of Edinburgh’s hidden “Underground City”. But they are not one and the same.

10 Years of The Real Mary King’s Close Tartan

31st May 2023

2023 marks the 20th anniversary of The Real Mary King’s Close. To commemorate two decades of running tours, we’ve been looking back at our more recent past to celebrate the people who have helped to make our attraction the 5-star visitor experience that it is today.

Events in Edinburgh: April 2023

5th Apr 2023

April 2023 is shaping up to be jam-packed with events in Edinburgh. The city is already busier than ever. With the Easter holidays in full swing, we thought it would be helpful to share our top picks of things to do at The Real Mary King’s Close (and beyond!) throughout the month. Read below to get started on planning your trip itinerary.

Edinburgh’s Brewing History Was Made by Women

20th Mar 2023

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…

Women and Property Rights in Early Modern Edinburgh

24th Feb 2023

All women in Early Modern Scotland were bound by strict legal restrictions over their property as well as their bodies. Married women especially. They were unable to instigate legal proceedings or represent themselves in court. Unless, of course, their husbands first gave them permission. What’s more, landed property only ever passed down to the daughters of a family had no sons been born. As for widows, they were only granted a “lifelong interest” to a proportion of their deceased husbands’ lands. If there was a male relative left to inherit from them (which was preferable), all ownership rights passed to him.