Greyfriars Graveyard. Edinburgh Jan 23. Tombstone Tourism.

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.

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.

Justice is blind.

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!

Epitaphs

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!

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.

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

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?

Latin Inscriptions

"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.

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.