Greyfriar's Kirkyard
The infamous Greyfriar's Kirkyard is known all around the world due to its association with a small dog called Bobby, but it holds a fair few other secrets and notable faces then just the small dog and his master.
The site, complete with its own church which we didn't get to explore this time, takes its name from the Franciscan Friary which once occupied the site but was dissolved in 1560. The churchyard was founded two years later after royal sanctions were granted to replaced the churchyard at St Giles which then ceased use around 1600ish. It was thought more beneficial to have a burial ground further away from the centre of the city due to the smell during summer and spacing issues.
To add to the kirkyard's interesting history, a sealed section of it is now known as the Covenanters Prison due to 1200 Covenanters being imprisoned in the field to the south of the kirkyard. Part of the field was then made into vaulted tombs for the churchyard and thus the area was named after this event, but this is something that we'll go into further detail on another time.
Of course the kirkyard is now the resting place of both Greyfriars Bobby and his master John Gray. It is said that Bobby was buried under a tree outside of the main entrance as the grounds within are consecrated, however the more popular spot he is believed to be buried is inside the entrance of the churchyard where his headstone was roughly placed in 1981. Considering a supposed necropsy was conducted you would have thought the area of his grave would have been confirmed, but we have opted not to look into this part any further for fear of getting upset.
But it isn't just the loyal dog and his master who are buried here. No, the site is also the eternal home to a much darker burial. Those who run in the ghostly circles we dabble in will know the legnd surrounding 'Bloody MacKenzie's Tomb'. We're going to cover this one in more detail when we return to Edinburgh in November, but as an intriguing overview it is said that the tomb is haunted by George MacKenzie and he is a rather bad tempered poltergeist. Tourists have reported leaving the kirkyard with scratches and bruises as well as being pushed and pulled about. There is also a fascinating ghost story surrounding this tomb, but we'll explore that in another post!
While we are on the subject of ghost stories, this site is notoriously haunted by both good and bad spirits, the most famous being of Bloody MacKenzie which was even referenced in Treasure Island. However, another interesting ghostly face is that of Burke, yes he of Burke and Hare fame. The gruesome individual used to stand at a window and look down on the kirkyard as graves were dug with his pipe, rumour has it his ghost still lingers in this window and you can see his reflection leering down at you. Tis an interesting ghost story and brings back the topic of ghosts potentially being just fragments of memories playing out, as the ghost of Burke is also reported to be screaming on Calton Hill from his prison days. Of course there is also the remains of his body being on display in the museum nearby, that must be haunted too right? Remember Joan Wytte who was tethered to her bones which were on display and asked to be buried? Perhaps witches are tethered, but then that raises the hauntings at Pendle of witches. This raises many questions, but the spiritual world is quite a vague thing.
Moving on before we hurt ourselves with thinking too much, there are a fair few burials of note within this kirkyard. Obviously the most important grave to visit for Potterheads is that of Tom Riddle. Famously the inspiration for J.K Rowling when writing Harry Potter, Rowling plucked this name right from the stone for her villain (with a slight tweak), as well as that of Moodie (Moody), McGonagall, and Sirius Black. She'd wander through here on her lunches and plot in her head much like we do when we go places.
Otherwise there are plenty of Reverends, Lord Provosts, Judges, Covenanters, and even the odd murder victim (one is buried in MacKenzie's tomb) who have been laid to rest within this churchyard. Other occupations have also been accepted...
Did we experience anything when wandering through the kirkyard? No. To be honest that is purely down to the fact we weren't in there very long. We met up with Calum and Rowie for the Bobby's Walking Tour and started out within the kirkyard and then that was also the point we finished our tour. Aside from running off to try and spy the famous Riddell grave (we failed, too many people) we rushed off to the Last Drop to get a bite to eat and have a much needed pit stop. However, this is on our list to revisit in November so look out for posts on the church, MacKenzie, and other interesting finds from within.
DISCLAIMER: Now for the official bit. This blog does not receive any paid promotions from the places mentioned above. We have not been approached to promote or act as spokespersons for any attraction mentioned within this post and this is simply a post intended to act as a day in the life of a couple on a cute date. All photos included are taken by ourselves and as such the rights for these images our ours, no links, brands, or companies mentioned otherwise belong or are associated with Phantom Adventures UK. We are responsible only for this blog. Opinions are our own and not influenced by any third party source..
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