Dark tourism is becoming a booming industry with more tourists flocking to historical sites of battles, murder, and mayhem than ever before. For some, this is how they spend their downtime, trying to understand what makes humans tick and why we all have a fascination with humanity's dark side. One to add to the dark tourist's bucket list is Mary King's Close in Edinburgh, Scotland which has it all: murder, plague, and ghostly goings-on. Read on to find out what to expect when exploring this exciting location.
History of Mary King's Close
Deep in the bowels of the old Scottish city of Edinburgh, lies a hidden warren of streets, or 'closes' as the locals call them. Just down from the castle which sits proudly at the top of the Royal Mile, the tourist will find Mary King's Close.
A wealth of dark history awaits the adventurer. From murder, plague, and mysterious happenings, Mary King's Close has had its share of death and destruction.
Closed off from the public when the last resident was forced out by compulsory purchase in 1902, this part of the city remained closed to the general public until 2003. In the time between, the city of Edinburgh sprung up and over this almost forgotten part of town, but now tourists can explore the streets below this fair city, perfectly preserved from times gone by, allowing their imagination to run wild as they picture it in its heyday as a bustling community.
There's Been a Murder
The dark tourist can expect to learn about Alexander Cant who was murdered by his social-climbing mother-in-law in 1530 over an unpaid dowry. Visitors can see where his bloodied body was discovered while hearing his story. Cast members tell his tale to create an entertaining and terrifying account of the last moments of Alexander Cant's life and the investigation into his murder.
Bubonic and Black Death - the plagues that ravaged the city
Guests can feel the spine-tingling uneasiness as they walk through the homes that the Bubonic Plague and Black Death visited. It can be hard to imagine that such a piece of history is perfectly preserved as visitors soak up the atmosphere of the homes that residents cowered in fear that their home would become next victim to these horrific diseases. See where they lived, died, and were forcibly quarantined with sick family members.
The Plague Doctor may visit guests and tell his story of the plague he fought and later fell victim to.
Annie's Room - a spooky tale
Those tourists who enjoy a good ghost story can also satisfy their cravings. What is considered to be one of the most haunted locations in the UK is 'Annie's Room', is right there in the close.
When famous Japanese psychic, Aiko Gibo, visited in the 90s, she encountered the spirit of a young child who called themselves Annie. She claimed this little girl had been separated from her parents and lost her beloved doll. Gibo left the close only to return later in the day with a gift for Annie; a dolly. Now thousands of visitors a year visit Annie's Room, many with a toy for its spooky resident. As long as Annie's doll is there, her spirit can remain at peace.
This location is not to be missed for any dark tourism traveler. With more than a thousand years of history, the Scottish city of Edinburgh is a hub of activity for the dark tourist. Mary King's Close is a small part of this history but is perfectly preserved, allowing visitors an immerse experience. This site is, without a doubt, one for the bucket list.
History of Mary King's Close
Deep in the bowels of the old Scottish city of Edinburgh, lies a hidden warren of streets, or 'closes' as the locals call them. Just down from the castle which sits proudly at the top of the Royal Mile, the tourist will find Mary King's Close.
A wealth of dark history awaits the adventurer. From murder, plague, and mysterious happenings, Mary King's Close has had its share of death and destruction.
Closed off from the public when the last resident was forced out by compulsory purchase in 1902, this part of the city remained closed to the general public until 2003. In the time between, the city of Edinburgh sprung up and over this almost forgotten part of town, but now tourists can explore the streets below this fair city, perfectly preserved from times gone by, allowing their imagination to run wild as they picture it in its heyday as a bustling community.
There's Been a Murder
The dark tourist can expect to learn about Alexander Cant who was murdered by his social-climbing mother-in-law in 1530 over an unpaid dowry. Visitors can see where his bloodied body was discovered while hearing his story. Cast members tell his tale to create an entertaining and terrifying account of the last moments of Alexander Cant's life and the investigation into his murder.
Bubonic and Black Death - the plagues that ravaged the city
Guests can feel the spine-tingling uneasiness as they walk through the homes that the Bubonic Plague and Black Death visited. It can be hard to imagine that such a piece of history is perfectly preserved as visitors soak up the atmosphere of the homes that residents cowered in fear that their home would become next victim to these horrific diseases. See where they lived, died, and were forcibly quarantined with sick family members.
The Plague Doctor may visit guests and tell his story of the plague he fought and later fell victim to.
Annie's Room - a spooky tale
Those tourists who enjoy a good ghost story can also satisfy their cravings. What is considered to be one of the most haunted locations in the UK is 'Annie's Room', is right there in the close.
When famous Japanese psychic, Aiko Gibo, visited in the 90s, she encountered the spirit of a young child who called themselves Annie. She claimed this little girl had been separated from her parents and lost her beloved doll. Gibo left the close only to return later in the day with a gift for Annie; a dolly. Now thousands of visitors a year visit Annie's Room, many with a toy for its spooky resident. As long as Annie's doll is there, her spirit can remain at peace.
This location is not to be missed for any dark tourism traveler. With more than a thousand years of history, the Scottish city of Edinburgh is a hub of activity for the dark tourist. Mary King's Close is a small part of this history but is perfectly preserved, allowing visitors an immerse experience. This site is, without a doubt, one for the bucket list.
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