Mary King's Close under City Chambers

Category

Library Item

Item no

2810

Title

Mary King's Close under City Chambers

Description

Part of Mary King's Close, an old underground street beneath the City Chambers, was used as an air raid shelter during World War II. Three men are standing near arched doorways. They are dressed in smart clothes, and two of them wear hats. Pipes and a loose door panel are propped up against the walls.

**shows Walter McPhail (ED. ENN), Charles Boog Watson, Mr Carrick (Works Dept.)**

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1931

Size

20.7 x 16 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

City Chambers was designed by John Adam and built between 1753-61. It was intended as premises for a merchant exchange, but this was not entirely successful and the building was overtaken by Edinburgh's Council during the 19th century. The council instigated significant extensions to the building in the years around 1900. The building was constructed over several Old Town closes. One of these subterranean streets, Mary King's Close, is now open to the public.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

Events > Disturbances > Conflicts

Government > Local > City and town halls

People > Adults > Men

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh