

In 1677, Sir George MacKenzie of Rosehaugh became the Lord Advocate in the court of Charles II. Their religious and political movement was named after the biblical term Covenant meaning ‘a bond with God’. Those who were in favour of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland or the National Covenant were called Covenanter’s. In Scotland, it was no different and when King Charles II took the throne he had a brutal policy about those who opposed the King and rejected the Church of England. You’ll find a Martyr’s Monument here in the Kirkyard to remember those killed of the Presbyterian Faith. Therefore many Catholics died a martyr’s death during his reign. This threw the country into opposing sides with many refusing to convert to the Anglican faith from being a devout Catholic. When Henry VIII established the Anglican Church in England, he cut his ties from the Catholic Holy Roman Empire. If you were seen to be supporting the ‘wrong’ faith, it would mean a rather merciless traitors execution. The faith of the country was often decreed by the monarch at the time. Just like in Tudor England, Scotland was torn and at war over religion. It’s managed by Edinburgh County Council in liaison with a Charity Organisation. Today, the monuments inside are classed as Grade A buildings. It’s located on the southern edge of the Old Town of Edinburgh near Candlemakers Row and George Heriot’s school. Ever since then it has seen over 100,000 people buried here! It’s was established as a burial area during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. Kirk is the old Scottish word for a church. Greyfriars Kirkyard is a large graveyard that surrounds the historic Greyfriars Kirk.
SCARY GRAVEYARD HOW TO
How to find Tom Riddle’s Grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard.Look for the Greyfriars Kirkyard Harry Potter tombstones.See the Mortsafes stopping grave robbery!.Get up close to George MacKenzie’s haunted mausoleum… if you dare!.Can you visit Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh?.How did it become the most haunted graveyard in the world?.The Harry Potter Greyfriars Kirkyard connection.Even in death, Bobby wouldn’t leave his master’s side.The dark history of Greyfriars Kirkyard.Which includes the history, spooky stories, things to look out for and how to visit. Here’s a complete guide for visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh.

Potterheads will love the fact that you can find many recognisable names from the books! It’s also risen to fame in recent years due to its Harry Potter connection. Today, however, this graveyard is most famously known for a little dog that’s buried here, called Greyfriars Bobby. Many of the cities most notable residents have been buried here as well as it being a home for Franciscan Friars and the Covenanters! Known as the most haunted graveyard in the entire world, this 400 year old resting place has played a role in many of Edinburgh’s most important historic chapters. But, if that is a thing then my personal favourite would be Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh! I’m not sure if it would be classified as strange or just downright weird to have a ‘favourite graveyard’. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
