Greyfriars Graveyard. Edinburgh Jan 23. Tombstone Tourism.

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Writing this up and trying to do some research into the inhabitants, it would seem that the Harry Potter stuff has connections to the graveyard.

I can unashamedly say I have never read any of the books nor seen any of the films. So I shall park that here and not mention it again.

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To give it its correct name the Greyfriars Kirkyard, came into existence in 1638, it is now a listed "building" and reputedly the most haunted graveyard in the world. Moving swiftly on.

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Justice is blind.

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John Bayne of Pitcairlie, a wealthy Scottish lawyer,and benefactor died 1681; the mausoleum was painted and gilded a striking and opulent tomb, though spoilt by the inscription

"To the Memory of the learned Mr. John Bayne of Pitcairlie, an eminent Writer to the Signet, Eupham Aikman his Widow, for themselves, and for the Kindred of both Wives, caused this Monument to be erected."

He was never married twice......oops!

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Epitaphs

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Now faded the memorial to Thomas Bannatyne died 1638 At the centre of the heading stone is an angel, holding aloft a book (Bible?) whilst crushing a skeleton, symbolising the soul's victory over death. On the right is a figure of the grim reaper, holding an hourglass and scythe. A now barely legible epitaph....

If thou list that passes by
know who in this tomb doth lie Thomas Bannatyne abroad
and at home who served god
Though no children he possest
but the lord with means him bless
he on them did well dispose
long ere doth his eyes did close
for the poor his helping hand
and his friend his kindness fand
and on his dear bedfellow did bestow

Then something about affection and a goodly portion!

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Memorial tablet in the family mausoleum of the Adam family (not the cookey spooky ones). John Adam a former Governor General of the British East India Company. Died at sea the memorial was erected by his father. There is also a monument to him in the Calcutta Cathedral. India.

Covenanters Prison and The Martyr's Memorial

It would be remiss of me not to mention in passing this part of the graveyard; entrance is only for those who are visiting on a pre-paid arranged visit. I wasn't this was shot through the bars of the gate. Locked now for over 20 years due to vandalism and a home for drug abusers

1200 defeated survivors of the 1679 Battle of Bothwell Brig were imprisoned in terrible conditions, which few survived. Dying through starvation or disease. Some executed.

The well worn tablet inscribed to the martyrs the covenanters that suffered or were killed by the english throne.

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Halt passenger, take heed what you do see, This tomb doth show. for what some men did do
Here lies interr'd the dust of those who stood against perjury, resisting unto blood.
Adhering to the Covenants, and laws Establishing the same, which was the cause Their lives were sacrificed unto the lust Of Prelatists abjured.
Though here their dust Lies mixed with murderers, and other crew,
Whom justice fully did to death pursue
:

But as for them, no cause was to be found Worthy of death but only they were found Constant and steadfast zealous witnessing,
For the Prerogatives of CHRIST their KING
Which Truths were sealed by famous Guthrie's head And all along to Mr
Ranwick's blood. They did endure the wrath of enemies,Reproaches torments deaths and injuries

But yet they're those who from such troubles came, And now triumph in the glory of the LAMB

From May 27th. 1661 that the most noble Marquis of Argyle was beheaded, to the 17th of Feb 1688 that Mr. James Renwick suffered, were one way or other Murdered and Destroyed for the same Cause, about Eighteen thousand, of whom were executed at Edinburgh, about a hundred of Noblemen, Gentlemen, Ministers and Others noble Martyrs for JESUS CHRIST. The most of them lie here

Gothic symbolic carvings

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The memorial, a joint one for Sir John Foulis and his wife.... though he was married twice. That's awkward

Clasped or holding hands are a symbol of parting from a loved one who has died. It is also a promise of reunion when the bereaved person joins them in the "afterlife". Menage a trois anyone?

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Latin Inscriptions

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"Not everything dies"
Snakes or serpents are ancient symbols of everlasting life, they are often depicted on gravestones to create a circle, a further symbol of eternity.

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So my time in here is done and a a big shout out to @clairemobey who suggested these graveyards were worth a visit. They certainly were, even without the fog and thankfully the Harry Potter tourists.



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39 comments
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Symbolism over the ages, stark reminders from whence we came, how we enjoy navigating far away places, will we ever change?

Place of history once you read the detail it starts to reveal stories of old, great photography of headstones now worn or dulled by weather.

@tipu curate

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cheers @joanstewart
I closed my eyes and could hear the bell tolling, the clatter of hooves on the horse drawn hearse,my mind saw the dead arriving. I love these places, and it was cold and damp and the lighting good. Amazing things to see

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Reminds me of the "Highwayman came riding" by Alfred Noyes, taking one into a world gone by, awesome!

Poem we learned somewhere along the road of life.... Wonder if children are taught this anymore?

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I have never bothered with poetry, but having just now read that one, what a remarkable use of words....I was there

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Compulsory to learn poetry throughout schooling years, some poems/books I will never forget as set standard learning. Schooling included English and Afrikaans language a bit of both.

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Actually this is a great post .. thanks for sharing this

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I've never visited this one but it looks like a cracker. I live all the old inscriptions and Gothic skull/spooky motifs they carved

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if you enjoy walking with the dead you would love it there was a third one I wanted to do, below the castle , but ran out of time.

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I do. I drag the famil yto all the "spooky" ones nearby so I can get some good pics. They usually hate it :OD

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What a mind-blowing tourist attraction I must say . I really do find how the Europeans keep and preserve their monunments over the course of time fascinating. How they pull this off should really be studied .

That being said I'm certain that for some people, the historic atmosphere and old gravestones may create a sense of eeriness, while others may find the cemetery peaceful and interesting. Different strokes for different folks!

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cheers @typebox thanks for engaging, with this cemetery it is protected by law that it must be maintained and looked after. Some people think it is weird to walk these places, but others myself included think it is fantastic glimpse into the past. Close your eyes and you can hear the tolling of the bell, the sound of the horses hooves and the wooden cart wheels on the cobbles pulling the dead to their resting place.

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Mind blowing indeed , the thrills must be endless !!

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When we say we're going to visit a graveyard, many are probably surprised, I say these places that can give you the creeps can often be very interesting.
I too have visited many graveyards in Europe, for example the cemetery in Zabgreb (Croatia), the Jewish Cemetery in Prague.
And the one in Edinburgh that you presented is amazing.

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cheers @triplug thanks for engaging, always good to meet another Tombstone Tourist !!

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I like to see these places, they fascinate me, I know it may sound strange, but I will always visit such a place with the greatest joy and desire to explore it.

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Historia pura y algo oscuro, lo digo porque da temor entrar a ese lugar, muchas gracias por mostrar esas fotos que de verdad es historia en vivo.

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cheers @larryparra saludos gracias por participar, un cementerio verdaderamente maravilloso

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They really knew how to decorate a memorial back then! That's really some way to record history...

This post has been manually curated by the VYB curation project

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cheers @wrestlingdesires thanks for the curation, I find it really amazing the differences in graveyards, dependent upon culture, religion and time

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Yeah, some make it into something lasting, while others simply cremate or put up a simple cross.

!PIZZA

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i never stop being amazed that the memorials have lasted longer than their residents

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