The Real Mary King’s Close
Address: 2 Warriston’s Close, High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PG
Beneath the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh city centre, lies an underground network of streets, uninhabited for over 400 years. These old narrow streets, known as closes and wynds, used to be busy places of work and homes. Mary King’s Close was one such street named after a prominent businesswoman in the 1630s, who owned several of the properties within it.
The close was buried under the Royal Exchange building on the Royal Mile and closed off to the public for 250 years. During this time, locals spread rumours about the hidden streets. Such as ghost and crime stories, and tales of plague victims that were boarded up and left to die. When archaeologists re-opened and explored it in the early 2000s, they revealed several shops, houses and artefacts from its 17th century residents. Mary King’s Close, together with Pearson’s Close, Stewart’s Close and Allen’s Close, is now open to the public. Visitors can take a historical tour, led by one of the Close’s past residents.
5 things to do at The Real Mary King’s Close
- Meet your tour guide, one of the Close’s past residents. It could be Mary King’s daughter Jonet, Agnes the Maid, Stephen the Merchant, Robert the Poet or Walter the Foul Clenger. Each has their own story and unique way of showing visitors around the old narrow streets.
- Explore four old Edinburgh closes – Mary King’s Close, Pearson’s Close, Stewart’s Close and Allen’s Close.
- Meet Mary King herself and hear stories about her life in the Interactive Gallery.
- Hear some of the myths and ghost stories that surround Mary King’s Close, as you visit its darkest creepiest chambers. From the young Chimney Sweep who died there, to the Close’s last resident, Mr Chesney.
- Visit Annie’s Room, named after the close’s most famous ghost, a little girl spirit. Visitors often leave toys and money for her, which the attraction donates to a local children’s charity.
