In the old section of Edinburgh, Scotland is a place now known as the Royal Mile. This is a succession of streets that form the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of the city. It runs between two important locations concerning the royal history of Scotland: Edinburgh Castle, and the Holyrood Palace. This used to be the original main street, and off this are small alleyways and courtyards to the north and south.

These alleyways are called a close, which is an old Scottish term for entry, court, or alleyway. A close is considered to be private property versus wind’s which are an open thoroughfare. Because of fear of English attacks from previous wars; the closes in Edinburgh had very dense housing. They are narrow with tall buildings on each side with the poorer living at the bottom, and the rich living up top.

Mary King Close is located underneath the Edinburgh City Chambers on the Royal Mile, and is currently is being used as a tourist attraction. This is due in part to its reputation for hauntings since at least the 17th century, and it is said to be quite the paranormal hot spot.

So snuggle in my spooky friends…you are about to hear the story of Mary King’s Close: The Original House of Horrors. But before we get started today, we wanted to give you a bit of a warning. In today’s episode, there are descriptions of graphic deaths and illnesses. Listener discretion is advised.

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