In the 1600's, when residents of this Close fell victim to the plague, city officials bricked up the entrance to the alleyway in an effort to contain the disease, leaving those inside to perish. It was said that the souls of over 400 people who were not laid to rest still haunt the area. Because of this, no one dared move into the street, and the City Chambers were built here. During WW II it was used as an air raid shelter, since when it has become a popular tourist attraction.