Greyfriars Kirk

Information

Greyfriars Kirk - officially Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk - was the first church built in Edinburgh after the Reformation, in 1562, on the grounds of the old Franciscan convent.

Building was slow, and the church did not open until Christmas Day 1620. Just 18 years later the historical importance of the church was assured with the signing of the National Covenant at its pulpit. From 1650-1653 it was used as a barracks against Cromwell's invasion,and two centuries on, "Old Greyfriars" was gutted by a fire (1845).

Restoration took many years, but the church is probably best remembered in the public consciousness by the heartwarming story of the loyal dog, Greyfriars Bobby, commemorated by a statue in the graveyard. The Skye Terrier kept vigil over his master's grave - John Gray, who died on 15 February 1858 - for 14 years until his own death.

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