The Real Mary King’s Close celebrated International Women’s Day with a curated Herstory Tour. The underground experience invited visitors to journey beneath The Royal Mile and learn about the lives of the women who once lived and worked on the now-hidden streets of Edinburgh.
The one-hour tour included revelations about some of the most famous women in Scottish history. The tour was guided by a former resident of The Close, including Janet Chesney, a member of the last family to leave the historic street behind. Guests met Mary King herself and learnt how she secured voting rights nearly 300 years ahead of her time. They also heard how revolutionary thinkers like Sophia-Jex Blake and other medical students who formed the Edinburgh Seven pioneered gender equality.
The Herstory Tour shared stories of the women who faced suppression and persecution over the centuries, as well as how Auld Reekie’s most influential women shaped the city’s history and impacted our lives today. Mary King’s Close is known for having been “a haven for independent women” with 45% of properties having a female head of the household.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said, “Telling stories of the past, shining a light on Edinburgh’s history and those who came before us are things we are extremely passionate about. We are delighted to be sharing the less popular stories of some of the remarkable women who once occupied the Close. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on the Herstory Tour and explore a hidden world together.”
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