Greyfriars Kirkyard is the historic graveyard surrounding the Greyfriars Kirk church, dating to the 1500s, and is rumored to be among the most haunted graveyards in the world. The parish and graveyard are named for the defunct Franciscan friary on the site whose friars wore gray habits. The graveyard has seen many historic events take place within its grounds and is the site of not only historic resting places but heart-warming tales and bone-chilling ghost stories.
The Kirkyard is famed throughout the world and attracts thousands of visitors every year to walk its grounds, see its historic graves and possibly witness a spectral figure moving through the monuments. One grave, in particular, is even said to have inspired author J.K. Rowling in her writing of the Harry Potter novels. Here, you'll find stories of violent ghosts, a loyal dog, body snatchers and beloved fantasy characters all in one place.
Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh - one of the highlights of 11 Iconic Buildings and Places in Edinburgh (Read all about Edinburgh here)
Highlights and features of Greyfriars Kirkyard
What draws most people to Greyfriars Kirkyard are the stories of ghosts that plague the grounds. One poltergeist that has been said to harm explorers late at night is alleged to be the spirit of George MacKenzie, a ruthless persecutor of a 17th-century Presbyterian movement. Legend has it that his spirit was released when a homeless man broke into his resting place in 1999 and that he has assaulted travelers inside the churchyard ever since.
Other highlights and features include the Covenanters' Penitentiary, once home to around 1,200 prisoners in 1679 who suffered brutal conditions, which is connected to the Kirkyard by an iron gate. The Kirkyard also features some of the finest mural monuments dating to the early 17th century, including the Death Head, King of Terrors and Angel of the Resurrection. Harry Potter fans will want to visit Tom Riddell's monument, which inspired the famed literary villain.
The history of Greyfriars Kirkyard
The Greyfriars Kirkyard in Old Town was established in the late 16th century when the nearby St Giles churchyard ran out of space. It saw the signing of the 1638 National Covenant of the Covenanters, a militant religious and political movement. After their defeat, some 1,200 Covenanters were imprisoned in the churchyard in conditions so brutal only a few hundred made it out alive.
The graveyard is also associated with the famous story of Greyfriars Bobby, a dog who guarded his owner's grave for 14 years and has a headstone at the entrance. The churchyard has seen the interment of many historic figures, from William Adam, its first famous inhabitant, to botanist William Wright, its final famed resident. Some residents posthumously inspired some of the most famed characters in children's literature, including Tom Riddell, Elizabeth Moodie and William McGonagall, and the whole churchyard inspired Godric's Hollow in Harry Potter.
Good to know about Greyfriars Kirkyard
Today, some of the monuments are closed and guarded due to incidents of graverobbing and vandalism. The Covenanters' Penitentiary is likewise closed except during ghost tours. Throughout the Kirkyard, ironwork cages, known as mortsafes, cover graveyards to protect the bodies within.
The Kirkyard is also the home of several tons of human bones from unmarked potters' field graves in St Giles. The Kirk is open to the public, but access to some neighborhoods, such as the Covenanters' Penitentiary, is limited because they are generally closed to self-tours. You will need to book a tour with one of the many local historic and ghost tour groups to access these closed neighborhoods and discover some of the more haunting stories and experiences in the graveyard.
Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh
Location: 26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1312 251900
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