In common with other Scottish Burghs Lanark had extensive common grounds which were shared by the burgesses. One use for this land was in grazing livestock including cattle. It was not economic for each burgess to own a bull so the town acquired a bull.

The bull was housed in this Close and a part time bull keeper, usually one of the local tradesmen, was employed to care for the bull. Records show that one keeper became so attached to his charge that when the animal was retired he bought it and kept it as a pet.