MARY
KING'S CLOSE
This
17th century close is one of the many underground streets
that were built over during the modernisation of the
old town. The lower floors acted as the foundation for
The Royal Exchange, built in 1753 (now The City Chambers)
and over 250 years later the floors below remain largely
unchanged.
During
the war years the underground vaults were used as an
air-raid shelter.
The name of Mary King's Close is thought to have originated
from the property owner and advocate to Mary
Queen of Scots, Alexander King whose daughter
was also called Mary.
in 1645 life of the close was shattered forever. The plague
struck this little community and there is a myth that the
local council decided to contain the plague by incarcerating
the victims,
bricking up the close for several years and leaving them
to die inside to die. It is likely that this is why the
close was nicknamed 'street of sorrows'
It
certainly has a reputation of being haunted, one ghost
of a little girl 'Annie' has become something of a local
celebrity. Sad because she had lost her favourite doll,
there is now a room full of gifts left by visitors for
her.
Mary
King's Close is now open throughout the year to the public
for tours.
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