Edinburgh’s closes and wynds are an important historic feature of the Old Town, particularly around the Royal Mile.
They offer a vivid reminder of Edinburgh’s rich social and cultural history over the centuries. In the process they allow a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its citizens.
They were originally designed to provide access to homes and businesses in the what was a densely packed area. Many of them date back centuries.
- Closes: These are typically shorter, narrower and more enclosed alleyways, often leading to courtyards or individual buildings.
- Wynds: These are generally longer and more open streets, sometimes connecting to larger thoroughfares.
Together they have a fascinating story to tell.
While Edinburgh’s Old Town has dozens of closes and wynds to explore, this blog post highlights some of the best-known examples.
In addition, there is a list of related content and suggestions to encourage further reading and research.
However, today, many of the city’s narrow streets and alleys no longer exist in their original form.
The ones that survive play a important role in connecting the city’s past with its present and provide a fascinating visitor experience for people who want to know more about the Scotland’s capital city.
Edinburgh’s “narrow wynds and closes whisper tales of centuries gone by…”
Edinburgh World Heritage
Edinburgh Improvement Act 1867
The Edinburgh Improvement Act of 1867 had a significant impact on Edinburgh’s closes and wynds leading to substantial changes in the city’s urban landscape.
William Chambers played an important role in this important legislation. As Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1865 to 1869, he was a one of the key figures in the development and implementation of the Act.
- Read a short William Chambers biography on Truly Edinburgh
Edinburgh historic wynds
1) Blackfriars Wynd
Blackfriar Wynd is named after the Dominican Friars (Blackfriars) who established a convent near here in the 13th century. It was one of the main streets in medieval Edinburgh and was infamous for the massacre of several citizens during the tumultuous period of the 16th century. The wynd connects the High Street and Cowgate, playing a key role in the city’s medieval layout.
2) Todrick’s Wynd
Toddrick’s Wynd was an important medieval street in Edinburgh, linking the Royal Mile to the Cowgate. It was named after the Todrick family and served as a passageway for residents and traders, typical of the narrow, winding streets that characterised Edinburgh’s Old Town.
However, like many wynds in the Old Town, Toddrick’s Wynd was affected by the 1869 Edinburgh Improvement Act and has long since disappeared.
The demolition of Toddrick’s Wynd reflects the broader changes that Edinburgh underwent during the late 19th century as it shifted from its medieval layout toward a more modern urban design.
3) St Mary’s Wynd
This information from Edinburgh World Heritage about St Mary’s Wynd, now St Mary’s Street gives an indication of the importance of this ancient thoroughfare.
“In 1513, the city records chronicle the army and weaponry of King James IV leaving Edinburgh via St. Mary’s Wynd on their fateful journey south to the battle of Flodden.
“Other records allege that the third husband of Mary Queen of Scots, the Earl of Bothwell, made two notorious visits to the wynd…”
For more information from Edinburgh World Heritage about St Mary’s Wynd, visit this webpage: The history of St Mary’s Street
4) Niddry’s Wynd
Niddry’s Wynd (Niddrie’s Wynd) was an alleyway located off the High Street on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Although historical detail of the wynd is scarce, scholars point to the existence of St Mary’s Chapel founded by Elizabeth, Countess of Ross in 1505. Its charter was confirmed by King James IV also in 1505.
Designed by Edinburgh architect Robert Mylne for the Edinburgh Musical Society, St Cecelia’s Hall was named after the patron saint of musicians. The first concert took place in December 1763
“St Cecilia’s Hall formed the east side of a courtyard of older houses set back from the medieval Niddry’s Wynd.”
The demolition of the wynd in 1785, during the building of South Bridge, made way for Niddry Street, today home of St Cecelia’s Hall. the oldest purpose-built concert hall in Scotland. This remarkable building was modelled on the Teatro Farnese in Parma
Once home to poet Alan Ramsay, the wynd lay close to Niddry Street South, home of the Oyster Club, a convivial club of dubious reputation founded in 1770, during the Scottish Enlightenment.
interestingly, two silver coins of Mary Queen of Scots and 12 silver coins of James VI, were found in the rubbish of one of the houses demolished in Niddry’s Wynd,
David Fraser Harris
It seems a ‘ far cry ‘ from the once narrow, tortuous, sunless alley of the Niddry Wynd”
Edinburgh historic Closes
1) Bakehouse Close
Named after the many bakeries that once lined this area, Bakehouse Close is a beautifully preserved example of Edinburgh’s medieval architecture. The close was also featured in the popular TV series Outlander. Historically, it served as a busy commercial area, where bakers and tradesmen lived and worked.
2) Mary King’s Close
Located just off the Royal Mile, this close is famous for its ghostly history. It was once a bustling street but was sealed off during the plague. Legend has it that Mary King, a prominent merchant, lived here although historical research say she probably didn’t. Today it’s a popular Edinburgh tourist attraction.
3) Brodie’s Close
Situated on the Lawnmarket, part of the Royal Mile, this close is named after Deacon William Brodie, a respected cabinetmaker by day and a burglar by night. Brodie was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
4 ) Advocate’s Close
This narrow passage connects the Royal Mile to Cockburn Street. It is named after Sir James Stewart of Goodtrees, the Lord Advocate in the late 17th century. Its steep steps offers wonderful views of Edinburgh.
5) Lady Stair’s Close
Just off the Lawnmarket, it’s named after Lady Stair, the widow of the 1st Earl of Stair. Today, it houses the Writers’ Museum, dedicated to Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson, three of Scotland’s most famous authors.
6) Fleshmarket Close
Leading from the Royal Mile to Market Street, this close was once home to Edinburgh’s meat market. Ian Rankin, the author of the Inspector Rebus novels, references this close in his book Fleshmarket Close.
7) Riddle’s Court
Located just off the Lawnmarket, Riddle’s Court is a historic courtyard, not a traditional Edinburgh close, with origins in the 16th century.
It was once the residence of wealthy merchants and hosted a royal banquet for King James VI in 1598.The philosopher David Hume also lived here for a time. Today, Riddle’s Court is a beautifully restored building used as an event and community space.
8) White Horse Close
White Horse Close, once known as Ord’s Close and later as Davidson’s Close, is a 20th century reconstruction of a 17th century Edinburgh close. Located at the foot of the Canongate, near the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
It dates from c.1623 and once served as stables for the palace and later as a terminus for stage coaches arriving in Edinburgh at the end of the week-long journey from London.
Historic Environment Scotland (Canmore) has this historical description of White Horse Close
Old Fishmarket Close
According to Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Old Fishmarket Close was recorded as early as 1592 and was named for the fish market set up within it, as noted in Town Council Minutes of 1539.
HES also suggests that it may have been known as Carmichael’s Close (1722), Gourlay’s Close (1756) and Home Close (1707).
The oldest name of all is Swift’s Wynd, recorded in 1539, showing an association with John Swift and his wife Alison, who acquired a tenement South of the High Street near the Mercat Cross in 1427.
Swift and his son Thomas are mentioned in a number of volumes in the Register of the Great Seal of Scotland (Scotland’s oldest national record).
Some records say that John High, the last city hangman, lived in Old Fishmarket Close until his death in 1817.
Although, today there are a number of modern developments within the close, a dedicated and determined historical sleuth researching the close will discover much about Scotland’s capital city and its people.
“We devoutly believe that no smell in Europe or Asia… can equal in depth and intensity, in concentration and power the diabolical combination of sulphurated hydrogen we came across one evening in a place called Todrick’s Wynd.”
Builders Journal 1861
Edinburgh’s closes and wynds: Stories of people and places
As you explore these historic places, you’ll uncover fascinating stories of the past which stretch from medieval times, and earlier, to the Scottish Enlightenment and the modern era.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious visitor, or simply want to know more, Edinburgh’s closes and wynds are an important destination on any itinerary.
Related Content on Truly Edinburgh:
Outlander Film Locations in Edinburgh (including Bakehouse Close)
1861 census with details of conditions in Edinburgh and Glasgow
History of the Grassmarket and other Old Town streets
Origins of Edinburgh Street Names
Edinburgh’s closes and wynds: suggestions for further reading and Research
- Wilson, D., 1878. Reminiscences of Old Edinburgh (Vol. 1). Edinburgh: Douglas.
- Henderson, J.A., 2022. Going Underground: Edinburgh. Amberley Publishing Limited.
- Masson, D., 1892. Edinburgh Sketches & Memories. London, A. and C. Black.
- Grant, J., 1884. Cassell’s old and new Edinburgh (Vol. 3).