7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh’s Old Town Beyond the Royal Mile
7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh's Old Town Beyond the Royal Mile - Mary King's Close Underground Time Capsule
Tucked beneath the imposing City Chambers, Mary King's Close presents a captivating journey into Edinburgh's past. This remarkably well-preserved underground street, once a lively thoroughfare, was effectively sealed off when the Royal Exchange was built, inadvertently creating a remarkable time capsule of 17th-century existence. Its recent acclaim as the best UK attraction on Tripadvisor highlights its enduring appeal. Guided tours, conducted by knowledgeable guides who embody the spirit of the past, provide a glimpse into the daily lives of those who called this close home. They also offer insights into the health challenges that were part of life back then. A visit here not only offers a deeper understanding of Edinburgh's history but also provides a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant stories hidden beneath the city's streets. Stepping into Mary King's Close feels like going back in time, allowing you to imagine the diverse communities and lives that once thrived in the shadows of the city's grander facade.
Tucked beneath the Royal Mile, Mary King's Close offers a glimpse into a forgotten Edinburgh. This 17th-century street, now a subterranean attraction, was once a vibrant part of the city before being sealed off during the construction of the Royal Exchange. It's fascinating to consider that while it became hidden from the surface, life continued there well into the 19th century.
The cramped conditions of the close, with its narrow passageways, give a palpable sense of the urban challenges faced by Edinburgh's early residents. The close is more than just a historical curiosity; it's a time capsule filled with remnants of daily life. Unearthed pottery and personal belongings paint a detailed picture of the people who once called this underground world home. It's remarkable how the cool, damp environment has contributed to the preservation of these historical artefacts, though it necessitates ongoing conservation efforts.
The echoes of the past are particularly strong here. Stories of the Black Death's impact and the desperate measures taken to combat its spread serve as stark reminders of the hardships faced by those who lived during this time. Mary King's Close serves as a poignant reminder of how cities adapted to public health crises, leading to changes in urban planning and social behaviours.
The evolution of the street, from a bustling marketplace to a hidden relic, highlights how urban landscapes and societal priorities change over time. The narrative surrounding the close is interwoven with the tales of individuals like Mary King, reflecting the lives of merchants and everyday people who inhabited this environment. The challenges of safely operating and preserving the site, particularly given its unique location, offers a unique view of historic site management.
Exploring hidden spaces like Mary King's Close gives us insight into the ingenuity of past urban designs. How societies tackled problems like limited space and high population densities through architecture provides a valuable lens for understanding past practices. Examining the remains of 16th-century structures, such as intricately preserved doorways and staircases, allows us to appreciate the craftsmanship and building methods of the era.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh's Old Town Beyond the Royal Mile - Mary King's Close Underground Time Capsule
- 7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh's Old Town Beyond the Royal Mile - Advocate's Close Offers Panoramic City Views
- 7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh's Old Town Beyond the Royal Mile - Dunbar's Close Garden Peaceful Retreat
- 7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh's Old Town Beyond the Royal Mile - The Museum of Childhood Nostalgic Trip
- 7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh's Old Town Beyond the Royal Mile - Canongate Kirkyard Historical Graveyard
7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh's Old Town Beyond the Royal Mile - Advocate's Close Offers Panoramic City Views
Advocate's Close, a hidden gem tucked away in Edinburgh's Old Town, offers a unique blend of history and stunning city views. This narrow, steep alley, which links Market Street to the Royal Mile, has a captivating past. It's located near the Scottish legal institutions and provides views toward St Giles Cathedral. While the steepness might not suit everyone, particularly those with mobility issues, its charm lies in its historical depth and picturesque outlook over the city.
Historically, this area was a fashionable spot for Scotland's wealthier residents. As you walk through, you get a glimpse into Edinburgh's past and the layering of its historical development. The views from Advocate's Close are a compelling reason to visit, offering a captivating vista that enhances the exploration of this historic district.
For the best experience, consider visiting during spring or autumn. During these seasons, the weather is often agreeable, and the crowds are less overwhelming compared to the peak season in summer. However, regardless of your visit time, Advocate's Close is a reminder of Edinburgh's rich heritage and offers a perspective not readily visible from the bustling Royal Mile.
Advocate's Close, a narrow and steep alleyway originating from Edinburgh's medieval past and significantly redeveloped in the early 2000s, offers an intriguing perspective on the city's history and urban design. Its connection to Market Street and the Royal Mile, culminating near St Giles Cathedral and the Supreme Courts of Scotland, gives it a distinct location within the heart of the legal and administrative sphere.
While the close is a fascinating relic of Edinburgh's history, it's worth noting that its numerous steps make it inaccessible for those with mobility issues. This highlights a challenge in preserving historical sites while ensuring they are inclusive and welcoming to everyone. The name "Advocate's Close" itself reflects its past, derived from its association with James Stewart, the Lord Advocate, a powerful figure in Scottish legal history.
It's notable that the area was historically a fashionable hub for Scotland's elite, indicating the close's unique place within the social landscape of Edinburgh centuries ago. The buildings that line the close are built from the local sandstone, common in the region, contributing to Edinburgh's characteristic look. The unique microclimate created by the narrow passageways influences the temperature and environment, which impacts the plant and animal life that thrives there compared to wider, more open areas of the city.
One of the most interesting aspects of the close is its significant elevation change, with a difference of up to 25 meters from the high point of the Royal Mile to the base of the close. This showcases the demanding topography of the city and the design challenges it poses for both historic and modern infrastructure.
Additionally, the architectural styles that are present in the close span a variety of periods, revealing how Edinburgh's urban planning has evolved over time. You can see buildings representing a medieval heritage alongside later Georgian designs, all within a very compact area.
Exploring the close provides a chance to consider the science of acoustics in urban design. The unique configuration of the passageways and materials create a distinct sonic environment. This leads to sound traveling and echoing differently compared to open spaces, impacting the soundscape for anyone walking through.
Finally, Advocate's Close's role in tourism is an interesting study in how different areas attract different kinds of visitors. Since it's a less prominent route, it draws a different crowd compared to the bustling Royal Mile. This leads to unique challenges and opportunities for the area, impacting things like local businesses and how the city invests in maintaining and improving accessibility for all those who wish to explore this historic part of Edinburgh.
7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh's Old Town Beyond the Royal Mile - Dunbar's Close Garden Peaceful Retreat
Tucked away just off Edinburgh's Royal Mile on Canongate, Dunbar's Close Garden offers a haven of peace amidst the vibrant energy of the Old Town. This small, carefully tended garden, designed in the 1970s to evoke a 17th-century aesthetic, provides a tranquil escape for those seeking respite from the city's bustling atmosphere. With its gravel paths, meticulously trimmed shrubs, a mix of blooming flowers, and mature trees, it achieves a classic, yet understated beauty.
The garden's creation, influenced by the vision of the 19th-century Scottish botanist Patrick Geddes, is now maintained by The Mushroom Trust. This organization's dedication ensures that the garden remains a public space for relaxation and quiet contemplation. While the garden is a known local gem, it's not as well-known as other Edinburgh attractions, making it a more peaceful retreat for those seeking a moment of calm. Its carefully placed benches encourage visitors to sit, relax, and simply enjoy the ambiance.
Though its daily opening hours vary depending on the season, Dunbar's Close Garden remains a constant reminder that nature's beauty can offer a comforting counterpoint to the urban landscape. It's a place that captures a different kind of history - one of quiet reflection and design in contrast to Edinburgh's rich, and sometimes overwhelming, built environment. In a city renowned for its historical significance and cultural vibrancy, Dunbar's Close provides a charming reminder of how a simple garden can enhance a visit.
Dunbar's Close Garden, nestled just off the Royal Mile at 137 Canongate, presents a fascinating study in urban design and the integration of nature within a historic city environment. Designed in the 1970s by landscape architect Seamus Filor, drawing inspiration from the 19th-century Scottish botanist Patrick Geddes, the garden emulates a 17th-century aesthetic. This stylistic choice, with its gravel paths, meticulously trimmed shrubs, and carefully selected herbs and flowers, offers a window into the gardening practices of that era, showcasing how urban landscapes were shaped and enjoyed.
The garden's name, a nod to Sir James Dunbar, who likely had ties to the area, invites one to consider how historical figures and their legacy influence the built environment. Beyond the aesthetic, the garden's design, surrounded by its protective walls, creates a microclimate. This unique environment, sheltered from the wider Edinburgh landscape, cultivates a diverse set of flora and fauna, making it an interesting study in how natural habitats can thrive even in dense urban centers. The use of symmetry and geometric elements within the garden mirrors practices seen in Renaissance and Baroque gardens. This application of mathematics to landscaping continues to influence design today, highlighting how the way we interact with space and form is rooted in such historical precedents.
The central sundial is a reminder of timekeeping before the advent of widespread clock technology. Its inclusion here not only enhances the historical ambiance but also underscores how past technologies shaped daily routines. Dunbar's Close's ability to absorb the surrounding noise of Edinburgh's streets offers another avenue for investigation. Its design, as a natural sound barrier, is a great example of acoustic principles being used for practical purposes. This unique feature allows visitors to find a respite from the city's bustling energy and provides a compelling example of how design considerations can alter the visitor's experience.
The incorporation of stone steps within the garden's design also highlights the inherent topography of Edinburgh and its historical development. Observing their design and placement provides insights into the ways the city's landscape has been modified and navigated through the centuries. Dunbar's Close is also a place of biodiversity. The presence of unusual plant species compared to other city parks makes it a microcosm of urban plant life, showcasing the resilience of nature to adapt to human interventions. Its layout with integrated paths and designated seating areas speaks volumes about community-centric design. The decision to include such spaces emphasizes a proactive approach towards facilitating social interaction and provides a model for observing the interaction of community and urban design.
The contrast between the peaceful atmosphere of Dunbar's Close and the frenetic activity of the Royal Mile is, in itself, a compelling facet of urban planning. This balance showcases how starkly contrasting spaces can be integrated within a city, influencing how people use and perceive a given area. This hidden gem provides a unique perspective on the history and careful design choices that shaped Edinburgh's past, and continue to mold its present.
7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh's Old Town Beyond the Royal Mile - The Museum of Childhood Nostalgic Trip
Tucked away on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the Museum of Childhood offers a captivating journey through the ages of play and growing up. It boasts a fascinating collection of toys, games, clothing, and other artifacts that reflect childhood across centuries, from the 1800s to the present day. The museum, renowned as the world's first institution dedicated solely to the history of childhood, offers a unique window into how children lived, learned, and played. It's a place where you can reminisce about your own childhood or discover how things were in the past.
Highlights of the collection include Muffin the Mule, a television star of yesteryear, and Radio Rex, an early example of a voice-activated toy. These intriguing exhibits, along with many others, provide a thoughtful exploration of how children's experiences have changed across decades and cultures.
Admission to the Museum of Childhood is free, although a suggested donation of £3 is appreciated. The museum welcomes visitors seven days a week, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. A typical visit can occupy around one to two hours, depending on how deeply you delve into the exhibits. It's a peaceful refuge from the bustle of Edinburgh's main thoroughfares, allowing you to reconnect with a sense of nostalgia and rediscover the joys and challenges of growing up. It's a true hidden gem, providing a glimpse into a fascinating side of Edinburgh that extends beyond the tourist traps of the Royal Mile.
The Museum of Childhood, nestled on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, holds the distinction of being the world's first museum dedicated to the history of childhood. It's a fascinating place that houses an extensive collection of toys, games, clothing, books, and dolls spanning from the 1800s to the present day, giving a glimpse into the evolution of childhood experiences. The museum's collection includes over 10,000 items, offering a deep dive into the historical changes and social developments influencing children's lives.
One intriguing aspect is how the design of many toys found within the museum aligns with fundamental psychological principles of child development. For instance, the early puzzles found there encourage problem-solving, a crucial element of growing up. This museum also showcases the impact of the Industrial Revolution on children's playthings, through exhibits displaying mechanical toys and the dawn of electronic gadgets.
Another significant part of the museum focuses on dolls, with a collection dating back to the 1800s. These dolls often reflect historical fashion and offer insights into societal norms related to childhood, gender, and cultural values. Among the quirky exhibits is a life-sized child mannequin that was once used in photography studios to attract customers. This artifact underlines how photography played a role in documenting childhood, and possibly how children viewed themselves and identity formation.
The museum's staff continually carry out research into how play impacts child development. This fits nicely with current research suggesting that unstructured play fosters increased creativity and social interaction. Each toy or game displayed here is more than just a simple object. It is a physical representation of the values held by society at the time of its creation. For example, certain early toys were created to reinforce specific gender roles, which today can be critiqued through the lens of gender studies.
The museum also hosts rotating exhibits dealing with issues facing children today, including digital play and screen time, offering researchers valuable data about the impact of the digital age on childhood. The building housing the museum itself is a historical feature—a former Victorian school. The architecture of the building gives us a view into the educational methods and learning environments of the time. The museum's location in Edinburgh's Old Town further enhances its importance, given the building's role as a historical landmark. It reflects the evolution of urban life and education in Edinburgh over time.
The museum is free to enter with a suggested donation of £3. It's open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the last entry at 4:30 PM. Depending on your interests, you can plan for about 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits. Edinburgh's Old Town, a historically rich area often called the heart of the Scottish capital, is the perfect place for this museum. The Royal Mile, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, runs through the Old Town, a main road considered one of the finest streets in the world.
7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh's Old Town Beyond the Royal Mile - Canongate Kirkyard Historical Graveyard
Situated just off the Royal Mile, Canongate Kirkyard is a historic burial ground established back in 1687. It's a peaceful reminder of Edinburgh's past, and its association with Canongate Kirk, a parish church, highlights its long-standing religious connection. This graveyard is the final resting place of prominent Scots, including the famous economist Adam Smith and Sir William Fettes, whose presence underlines the area's historical weight.
The name "Canongate" itself has origins in the route taken by religious figures, the canons of St Giles' Church, when traveling to Holyrood Abbey. This connection shows the strong ties to religious practice in the region during its early development. The graveyard offers visitors a calm environment with well-maintained green spaces. It provides a view of Calton Hill, offering a sense of the area's original appearance before centuries of urban development.
While it might not be as widely recognized as some of Edinburgh's other attractions, Canongate Kirkyard is an essential part of Edinburgh World Heritage's Graveyard Walking Trails. If you are curious to explore the city's rich history, and appreciate a tranquil space in the heart of a bustling area, this hidden gem is worth a visit. It offers a unique and contemplative escape from the main tourist routes in Edinburgh's Old Town.
### Canongate Kirkyard: A Glimpse into Edinburgh's Past
Nestled within the Canongate section of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, Canongate Kirkyard offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's rich history. Established in 1687, it's connected to Canongate Kirk, a parish church within the Church of Scotland. It's worth noting that Canongate, prior to the 1850s, functioned as a separate town and parish from Edinburgh.
This graveyard holds the remains of several notable figures, including economist Adam Smith and the founder of Fettes College, Sir William Fettes, alongside a collection of other individuals who played significant roles in Scotland's history. The name "Canongate" itself stems from the path canons from St. Giles' Church took when walking to Holyrood Abbey – "the canon's gait".
Interestingly, the kirkyard provides views north towards Calton Hill, offering a tangible sense of the area's early development. It's incorporated into Edinburgh World Heritage's Graveyard Walking Trails, a series of tours that highlight the city's historic burial sites. The City of Edinburgh Council oversees the site, which is part of a network of five historic graveyards in the central city.
Canongate Kirkyard isn't just a repository of the past, it’s also a peaceful green space with carefully tended landscaping. This makes it a reflective and tranquil location for visitors. It continues to hold a prominent position in the city's historical narrative and remains a compelling destination for individuals seeking to understand Edinburgh's rich past.
The use of local sandstone in the construction of gravestones is noteworthy. Observing how these stones react to the city’s weather conditions provides a fascinating insight into how the materials degrade over time. One might notice the unique designs of the gravestones, some featuring symbols representing the deceased's profession or beliefs. These symbols provide valuable clues about the social and cultural values of the time, especially around death and remembrance.
Archaeological exploration within and near Canongate Kirkyard has uncovered fascinating skeletal remains and other artifacts. These findings shed light on the health and living conditions of past generations. Researchers use this information to explore health trends, life expectancy, and burial practices through history. The kirkyard has seen many burials related to the 17th-century plague, highlighting how this severe epidemic shaped the city's urban layout and burial customs.
Architectural influences from various eras, such as Renaissance and Baroque, are evident in the graveyard's layout and gravestones. This visual narrative illustrates how architectural trends shifted over time within Scotland. The presence of various lichen species on the gravestones offers another opportunity for investigation. Lichen, as a bioindicator, provides insights into air quality and environmental modifications over time. It’s remarkable that the delicate patterns of lichen alongside the intricate stone carvings on the older stones provide a fascinating look at the skills of stonemasons from centuries ago.
It’s interesting to note that the kirkyard is mentioned in some literary works, by authors like Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. This literary connection confirms the graveyard's enduring cultural relevance, serving as a muse for these writers and poets. Today, Canongate Kirkyard is not just a site of remembrance and contemplation. It's an important tourist attraction, drawing visitors intrigued by its historical significance and appealing landscape. Its value extends further, serving as a focal point for scientific inquiry into urban deterioration, historical preservation, and understanding the evolution of Scotland's society and culture.