Greyfriars Kirk

Overview

Greyfriars Kirk is a historic church on the southern edge of Edinburgh's Old Town, famous worldwide for the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier who guarded his master's grave for 14 years.

Highlights

• Greyfriars Bobby's Grave: The modest gravestone near the church entrance, invariably decorated with fresh flowers and sticks left by visiting dog lovers.
• The Kirkyard: One of Edinburgh's most atmospheric cemeteries, filled with ornate 17th-century tombstones, elaborate memorials, and supposed inspiration for characters in Harry Potter.
• The National Covenant: In 1638, thousands of Scots gathered here to sign the National Covenant, a seminal document in Scottish religious and political history.

History

Built in 1620 on the site of a former Franciscan friary (hence "Greyfriars"), it was the first church built in Edinburgh after the Reformation. The kirkyard was used as an open-air prison for 1,200 Covenanters after the Battle of Bothwell Bridge in 1679.

Visitor Tips

• Free Tours: Volunteer-led tours of the kirkyard run regularly and are highly recommended for the stories behind the elaborate tombs.
• Harry Potter Connection: Many visitors come seeking the grave of Thomas Riddell, believed to have inspired the name of a certain Dark Lord.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.