Up Close and Personal with The Black Death in Edinburgh

The Real Mary King’s Close is set to host a virtual event that explores the history of plague in the city: from 1336 and 1645 with similarities drawn with today’s pandemic.

Article Source: The Real Mary King’s Close
Last Updated: 1 March 2021 15:58

Edinburgh’s The Real Mary King’s Close is set to host a virtual event that explores the history of plague in the city: from 1336 and the last major outbreak in 1645 with similarities drawn with today’s pandemic.

The second in its ‘Up Close and Personal’ series of virtual live events, the team at the unique, five-star attraction will separate fact from fiction in an event set to be live streamed on 13th March at 7pm.

The one-hour broadcast will explore the history of The Real Mary King’s Close during one of the worst plague outbreaks to befall the city of Edinburgh through the stories of real-life characters.

The Real Mary King’s Close is a series of streets and houses just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, which are now covered over by later buildings - making them a unique historical site, frozen in time.

This ‘Up Close and Personal’ event will tell the story of the plague outbreak, touching on the worst outbreak in the 17th Century and looking right back to the first outbreak in the city in the 14th century. The team will explore the story through the plague doctor George Rae, as well as afflicted residents who were bedridden due to the plague. With around half of the city’s population succumbing to the disease, life would have changed dramatically. It will compare the experiences of the past with the current Coronavirus pandemic of today. There will be two expert presenters on hand to answer viewers’ questions as the story unfolds.

The guides will also share commissioned research by Dr Aaron Allen from the University of Edinburgh that compares the similarities between the two pandemics that are separated by 400 years.

The virtual event will last one hour and is priced at £12 per household. Tickets can be purchased on the website: Here

The Real Mary King’s Close is a five-star visitor attraction located on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile. Although currently closed because of Coronavirus regulations, The Real Mary King’s Close brings Edinburgh’s hidden history to life with visitors taken on a journey into the past as they delve into a warren of streets under the city frozen in time. Visitors embark on a one-hour social history tour through the uniquely preserved 17th Century streets and spaces, accompanied by a costumed character guide.

The Real Mary King’s Close
Warriston's Close, 2, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PG

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