Edinburgh is full of narrow passages known as closes. In fact, there are over 250 of them. Most are located in Old Town on either side of the Royal Mile. They exist because of how the city was developed in medieval times. The word "close" comes from the Scots term for a gated, private entry that was literally closed off to the public at night.
Old Fishmarket Close
The taxi dropped me off at the bottom of Fishmarket Close. I walked through the close (dragging my luggage) to get to the Royal Mile and my accommodations (the CoDE) in Parliament Square. It's easy to figure out how Fishmarket Close got its name. At one time, there was a thriving fishmarket there. It was also the site of famous executions. The close was first recorded in 1592;, the fishmarket, 1539.
Paisley Close
Paisley Close is famous for a tragic 1861 tenement collapse and a remarkable story of survival. On November 24, 1861, a towering seven-story tenement building at Paisley Close collapsed after a load-bearing wall was accidentally breached. The disaster killed 35 of the 77 residents living inside. A 12-year-old boy was miraculously rescued from the rubble. Above the entrance to the close, you can see a stone-carved sculpture of the boy's face alongside an inscription of his famous words. The tragedy inspired legislation to improve housing conditions in the overcrowded city.
Burnet's Close
Burnet's Close gets its name from Samuel Burnet, a wealthy 16th-century merchant and brewer who owned a tenement at the head of the close on the High Street. In 1564, the lane was originally known as Johnston's Close. The close is famously linked to Mary's Chapel, an important historic religious and civic site in the Old Town.
Tweeddale Court
Tweeddale Court has an interesting location with rich history. At the back of this decorative close was the Tweeddale mansion. The high stone wall on the west side of the close is thought to be a remnant of the ‘Kings Wall’, which in medieval times marked the boundary of the city. Tweeddale Court was used as one of the streets in 18th century Edinburgh in "Outlander." I was so disappointed that I didn't walk through the close.
Hyndfords Close
The Hyndford Close and its notable former mansion took their name from the Carmichael family, who held the title of the Earl of Hyndford (bestowed starting in 1701). Today, the close houses the offices of prominent architectural conservation watchdog and hidden green spaces.
Old Stamp Office Close
The Old Stamp Office Close is named after the Government Stamp Office that operated there from at least 1779 until it moved to Waterloo Place in 1821. It was also home to The Countess of Eglinton and her seven daughters.
Covenant Close
Covenant Close gets its name from 1638, when a copy of the National Covenant was brought from Greyfriars Kirkyard into the close. Residents placed the historic document inside a house in the alley so local citizens could sign and pledge their support. The signers opposed King Charles I forcing English church practices onto the Scottish Presbyterian church, sparking a major religious and political movement.
Trunk's Close
Trunk's Close is named after the Turing family, whose name evolved over time into Trunk's or Trunk's Close. It has also historically been known by other names including Purvis, Stirling's, and Bryson's Close.
Bailie Fyfe's Close
Bailie Fyfe's Close dates back to at least 1572. It was originally known as Trotter's and Barrie's Close. It was renamed in 1686 after Gilbert Fyfe, a merchant and magistrate (bailie) who lived in the close from 1677 to 1686. On November 24, 1861, a massive seven-story medieval tenement building sandwiched between Bailie Fyfe's Close and Paisley Close collapsed in the middle of the night.
Barrie's Close
Barrie's Close is located just off Parliament Square near the hostel where I stayed (the CoDE). The close dates back to the 17th century and was named after William Barrie (or Barry), a merchant who owned property in the area. It was historically known as "Hangman's Close" because the city's executioner allegedly lived nearby. A notable architectural feature inside the close is a large wall built between two buildings. It was originally erected to hide prison cells and keep the noise and sights of prisoners away from the wealthy lawyers and judges frequenting Parliament Square above.
New Assembly Close
Old Assembly Close
Old Assembly Close earned its name because it hosted popular dancing assemblies for Edinburgh's high society between 1720 and 1766. Originally it was called Little's Close, named after two brothers.
Fleshmarket Close
The Fleshmarket Close earned its name as the city's main 15th-century butcher and meat market district. Carcasses hung from the stone walls, and animal blood washed down the steep stone steps to drain directly into the Nor' Loch. The close later became associated with taverns and crime. It's known for its steep steps and colorful buildings.
Bishop's Close
Bishop's Close gets its name from Bishop's Land, a large mansion house that once stood here. During the winters of 1786 and 1787, the national poet Robert Burns visited the residence of Louis Cauvin, which was located in the close, to take French lessons. By the 19th century, the Old Town became crowded, and Bishop's Close provided housing for working immigrant families.
North Foulis' Close
North Foulis' Close is named after John Foulis, an apothecary who owned property and land there.
Anchor Close
Anchor Close was named after the Anchor Tavern, which opened in the close around 1714-1715. Printer William Smellie operated his printing house here, where the very first edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica was printed in 1768. The tavern hosted the "Crochallan Fencibles," an 18th-century drinking club whose members included Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. The parents of author Sir Walter Scott lived in the close until 1771.