Former residents of the Mary King’s Close visited the hospital to teach the children about the lire in Edinburgh’s Old Town during the 17th century
Team from the top Edinburgh tourist attraction, The Real Mary King’s Close, visited the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People to participate in Historical Engagement Week, organised by The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), the only charity in the world solely dedicated to supporting NHS Lothian’s children’s services.
As part of an itinerary of interactive, history themed activities, Craig Waters, Daisy Wade and Robyn Reill, three tour guides from The Real Mary King’s Close, ran a workshop for the children about life in Edinburgh’s Old Town during the 17th century.
The guides presented the workshop as costumed characters of former residents of Mary King’s Close, including the local tanner, Patrick Byrne; the last homeowner on the street, Janet Chesney; and Mary King herself.
The day started with a collaborative performance in the hospital’s social space, followed by one-to-one interactions with the children in the medical wards who were unable to attend.
Ensuring the experience was just as memorable for them, the team at The Close created the world of Old Town Edinburgh by their bedside, using props, improvisation and storytelling centred on the history of Mary King’s Close and true stories about its intriguing past.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “The amazing work undertaken by The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity is so important to ensuring the children at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People have the opportunity to enjoy interactive learning and experience fun activities.
“At The Close, we are passionate about storytelling our social history and creating unforgettable experiences, so we were delighted to be given the opportunity to visit the hospital and give the children a chance to learn about Edinburgh’s rich history.”
The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity runs a six-day-per-week programme of arts and activities for the young people at The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. By transforming the hospital wards into disco rooms, art galleries, fairylands, and past eras, they ensure that every child has the freedom to explore, have fun and find inspiration through creative play and learning.
For more information about The Real Mary King’s Close, visit: