From the late 1700s this Close was named after the Ritchie’s who made a living as nail makers. The nails at this time were all made by hand. They continued in this craft until the mid 1800s when they were also employed in the ironmongery trade and as tinsmiths, plumbers and gasfitters.

At the point where this close turns to join Cross Keys Close was the site of the small fee paying school run by John Seyton. It was at this time briefly known as Brewery Close. The Steven brothers had their brewery in Cross Keys Close before moving to larger buildings in Waterloo Road in 1870.