Greyfriars Kirkyard is the
graveyard
A cemetery, burial ground, gravesite or graveyard is a place where the remains of dead people are buried or otherwise interred. The word ''cemetery'' (from Greek , "sleeping place") implies that the land is specifically designated as a buri ...
surrounding
Greyfriars Kirk
Greyfriars Kirk ( gd, Eaglais nam Manach Liath) is a parish church of the Church of Scotland, located in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is surrounded by Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Greyfriars traces its origin to the south-west parish of Edi ...
in
Edinburgh
Edinburgh ( ; gd, Dùn Èideann ) is the capital city of Scotland and one of its 32 Council areas of Scotland, council areas. Historically part of the county of Midlothian (interchangeably Edinburghshire before 1921), it is located in Lothian ...
,
Scotland
Scotland (, ) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the ...
. It is located at the southern edge of the
Old Town
In a city or town, the old town is its historic or original core. Although the city is usually larger in its present form, many cities have redesignated this part of the city to commemorate its origins after thorough renovations. There are ma ...
, adjacent to
George Heriot's School
George Heriot's School is a Scottish independent primary and secondary day school on Lauriston Place in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland. In the early 21st century, it has more than 1600 pupils, 155 teaching staff, and 80 non-teaching staff ...
. Burials have been taking place since the late 16th century, and a number of notable Edinburgh residents are interred at Greyfriars. The Kirkyard is operated by City of Edinburgh Council in liaison with a charitable trust, which is linked to but separate from the church. The Kirkyard and its monuments are protected as a category A
listed building
In the United Kingdom, a listed building or listed structure is one that has been placed on one of the four statutory lists maintained by Historic England in England, Historic Environment Scotland in Scotland, in Wales, and the Northern Irel ...
.
History
Greyfriars takes its name from the
Franciscan
The Franciscans are a group of related Mendicant orders, mendicant Christianity, Christian Catholic religious order, religious orders within the Catholic Church. Founded in 1209 by Italian Catholic friar Francis of Assisi, these orders include t ...
friary
A monastery is a building or complex of buildings comprising the domestic quarters and workplaces of monastics, monks or nuns, whether living in communities or alone (hermits). A monastery generally includes a place reserved for prayer which ...
on the site (the friars of which wear grey habits), which was dissolved in 1560. The churchyard was founded in August 1562 after Royal sanction was granted to replace the churchyard at
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral ( gd, Cathair-eaglais Naomh Giles), or the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is a parish church of the Church of Scotland in the Old Town, Edinburgh, Old Town of Edinburgh. The current building was begun in the 14th century and extended ...
in Edinburgh. The latter burial ground was not used after around 1600.
![Greyfriars kirkyard 1848](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Greyfriars_kirkyard_1848.jpg)
The Kirkyard was involved in the history of the
Covenanter
Covenanters ( gd, Cùmhnantaich) were members of a 17th-century Scottish religious and political movement, who supported a Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and the primacy of its leaders in religious affairs. The name is derived from ''Covenan ...
s. The Covenanting movement began with signing of the National Covenant in Greyfriars Kirk on 28 February 1638. Following the defeat of the militant Covenanters at
Bothwell Brig in 1679, some 1200 Covenanters were imprisoned in a field to the south of the churchyard. When, in the 18th century, part of this field was amalgamated into the churchyard as vaulted tombs the area became known as the "Covenanters' Prison".
During the early days of photography in the 1840s the kirkyard was used by
David Octavius Hill
David Octavius Hill (20 May 1802 – 17 May 1870) was a Scottish painter, photographer and arts activist. He formed Hill & Adamson studio with the engineer and photographer Robert Adamson between 1843 and 1847 to pioneer many aspects of pho ...
and
Robert Adamson as a setting for several portraits and
tableaux
The International Conference on Automated Reasoning with Analytic Tableaux and Related Methods (TABLEAUX) is an annual international academic conference that deals with all aspects of automated reasoning with analytic tableaux. Periodically, it joi ...
such as ''The Artist and The Gravedigger''.
Covenanters
![Martyrs' Monument, Greyfriars Kirkyard](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/Martyrs%27_Monument%2C_Greyfriars_Kirkyard.jpg)
The National Covenant was signed in the graveyard (as it was a place of legal free public assembly) in 1638. Whilst some depictions of the event show them leaning on table-stones, these stones did not exist at that time and the signing was done during the period of ban on central gravestones.
Following the
Battle of Bothwell Bridge
A battle is an occurrence of combat in warfare between opposing military units of any number or size. A war usually consists of multiple battles. In general, a battle is a military engagement that is well defined in duration, area, and force ...
(22 June 1679), some 1200 prisoners were brought to Edinburgh. Their being too numerous for containment in the prison or castle a makeshift "prison" was formed in a field south of Greyfriars Kirkyard, to hold around 400 not containable elsewhere. This area was conveniently enclosed on two sides by the
Flodden Wall
There have been several town walls around Edinburgh, Scotland, since the 12th century. Some form of wall probably existed from the foundation of the royal burgh in around 1125, though the first building is recorded in the mid-15th century, when ...
and on a third side (the west) by the high enclosing wall of
George Heriot's School
George Heriot's School is a Scottish independent primary and secondary day school on Lauriston Place in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland. In the early 21st century, it has more than 1600 pupils, 155 teaching staff, and 80 non-teaching staff ...
. The fourth side faced the churchyard and was separated by an easily patrolled and guarded picket fence.
The name Covenanters Prison stuck. The bulk of the area was built on by the city Bedlam (around 1690). A remaining strip of land, sandwiched between the Bedlam and George Heriot's School, was used for additional burial ground from around 1700. The style at the time was to build in enclosed vaults, and this is the dominant form in this section. As the vaults did not exist at the time of the area's prison use, despite their potential to be used as prison cells, this was never the case.
The area was open to public view until around 1990, but was thereafter locked by
City of Edinburgh Council
The City of Edinburgh Council is the local government authority for the city of Edinburgh, capital of Scotland. With a population of in mid-2019, it is the second most populous local authority area in Scotland.
In its current form, the counci ...
to stem persistent vandalism and use by drug-users. The area is accessible during the day by special arrangement with the guides at Greyfriard Kirk during their opening hours and at night by going on a City of the Dead Tour where the Black Mausoleum can be visited.
Greyfriars Bobby
The graveyard is associated with
Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby (4 May 1855 – 14 January 1872) was a Skye Terrier or Dandie Dinmont Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died on 14 January 1872. The story continu ...
, the loyal dog who guarded his master's grave. Bobby's headstone at the entrance to the Kirkyard, erected by the Dog Aid Society in 1981, marks his reputed burial place, however as there are no parts of the kirkyard that is not consecrated it is also believed he was buried under a tree outside the gates to the right of the current main entrance. The dog's statue is opposite the graveyard's gate, at the junction of
George IV Bridge
George IV Bridge is an elevated street in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is home to a number of the city's important public buildings.
History
A bridge connecting the Royal Mile to the south was first suggested as early as 1817, but was first p ...
and Candlemaker Row. The grave of a Pentland Hills Shepherd, "Auld Jock" (John Gray), where the dog famously slept for 14 years, lies on the eastern path, some 30m north of the entrance. The stone is modern, the grave originally being unmarked.
Monuments
![Mortsafe in Greyfriars Kirkyard](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d3/Mortsafe_in_Greyfriars_Kirkyard.jpg)
Enclosed burial lairs are found mainly on the south edge of the graveyard and in the "Covenanters' Prison". These either have solid stone walls or iron railings and were created as a deterrent to grave robbing, which had become a problem in the eighteenth century. Greyfriars also has two low ironwork cages, called
mortsafe
A mortsafe or mortcage was a construction designed to protect graves from disturbance and used in the United Kingdom. Resurrectionists and Night Doctors had supplied schools of anatomy since the early 18th century. This was due to the necessity ...
s. These were leased, and protected bodies for long enough to deter the attentions of the early nineteenth-century
resurrection men
''Resurrection Men'' is a 2002 novel by Ian Rankin. It is the thirteenth of the Inspector Rebus novels. It won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2004.
Plot summary
Detective Inspector John Rebus has been sent to Tulliallan, the Scottish Polic ...
who supplied
Edinburgh Medical College
The University of Edinburgh Medical School (also known as Edinburgh Medical School) is the medical school of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and the United Kingdom and part of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. It was esta ...
with corpses for dissection.
The kirkyard displays some of Scotland's finest mural monuments from the early 17th century, rich in symbolism of both mortality and immortality such as the Death Head, Angel of the Resurrection and the King of Terrors. These are mostly found along the east and west walls of the old burial yard to the north of the kirkyard.
Notable monuments include the Martyr's Monument, which commemorates executed Covenanters. The Italianate monument to
Sir George Mackenzie
Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh (1636 – May 8, 1691) was a Scottish lawyer, Lord Advocate, essayist and legal writer.
Early life
Mackenzie, who was born in Dundee, was the son of Sir Simon Mackenzie of Lochslin (died c. 1666) and Elizabe ...
was designed by the architect
James Smith, and modelled on the Tempietto di San Pietro, designed by
Donato Bramante
Donato Bramante ( , , ; 1444 – 11 April 1514), born as Donato di Pascuccio d'Antonio and also known as Bramante Lazzari, was an Italian architect and painter. He introduced Renaissance architecture to Milan and the High Renaissance style ...
.
Duncan Ban MacIntyre
Donnchadh Bàn Mac an t-Saoir, anglicized as ''Duncan Ban MacIntyre'' (20 March 1724 – 14 May 1812), was one of the most renowned of Scottish Gaelic poets. He formed an integral part of one of the golden ages of Gaelic poetry in Scotland d ...
's memorial was renovated in 2005, at a cost of about £3,000, raised by a fundraising campaign of over a year. The monument of John Byres of Coates, 1629, was one of the last works of the royal master mason
William Wallace
Sir William Wallace ( gd, Uilleam Uallas, ; Norman French: ; 23 August 1305) was a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence.
Along with Andrew Moray, Wallace defeated an English army a ...
.
Bloody MacKenzie's Tomb
The distinctive domed tomb of Sir George MacKenzie has long had an association with rumours of ghosts.
In 2003 two teenage boys, aged 17 and 15, entered the tomb via a ventilation slot in the rear (now sealed). They reached the lower vault (containing the coffins), broke the coffins open and stole a skull. Police arrived as they were playing football with the skull on the grass. The pair narrowly escaped imprisonment on the little-used but still extant charge of violating sepulchres.
Notable burials
![John Mylne monument](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/John_Mylne_monument.jpg)
(note-''CP'' denotes graves within the sealed south-west section known as the Covenanters Prison)
*
William Adam (architect)
William Adam (1689 – 24 June 1748) was a Scottish architect, mason, and entrepreneur. He was the foremost architect of his time in Scotland,McWilliam, p.57 designing and building numerous country houses and public buildings, and often act ...
(1689–1748), with his son
John Adam (architect)
John Adam (5 March 1721 – 25 June 1792) was a Scottish architect, building contractor and supervisor.
Life
Born in Linktown of Abbotshall, now part of Kirkcaldy, Fife, he was the eldest son of architect and entrepreneur William Adam and ...
(1721–1792)
*
William Adam of Blair Adam
The Right Hon. William Adam of Blair Adam (2 August 175117 February 1839) was a Scottish advocate, barrister, politician and judge. He served as Solicitor General for Scotland (1802–1805) and as Lord Chief Commissioner of the Jury Court (181 ...
(1751–1839), judge
*
Alexander Adie
Alexander James Adie FRSE MWS (1775, Edinburgh – 4 December 1858, Edinburgh) was a Scottish maker of medical instruments, optician and meteorologist. He was the inventor of the sympiesometer, patented in 1818.
Life
He was born the son of Jo ...
FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1775–1859) optical instrument maker
*
David Aikinhead (1566–1637), twice
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
, 1620–22 and 1625–30
*
William Annand
William Annand (April 10, 1808 – October 12, 1887) was a Nova Scotia publisher and politician. He was a member of the North British Society.
Annand was born in Halifax. He was educated in Scotland and returned to Nova Scotia in the 1820 ...
(1633–1681), minister and Dean of
St Giles Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral ( gd, Cathair-eaglais Naomh Giles), or the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is a parish church of the Church of Scotland in the Old Town, Edinburgh, Old Town of Edinburgh. The current building was begun in the 14th century and extended ...
*
Robert Baird of Saughtonhall (1630-1697) Cashier of the Scottish Carolina Company
*
John Bayne of Pitcairlie (1620–1681), Writer to the Signet
*
Leslie Balfour-Melville
Leslie Balfour-Melville (9 March 1854 – 17 July 1937), born Leslie Balfour, was a Scottish amateur sportsman, serving as captain, opening batsman, and wicket-keeper for the Scotland national cricket team.
Balfour-Melville was also an inter ...
(1854–1937) golfer
*
John Beugo
John Beugo (7 May 1759 – 13 December 1841) was a Scottish engraver and printmaker. His most famous work was the engraved version of Alexander Nasmyth's portrait of Robert Burns.
Biography
Beugo was born in Edinburgh on 7 May 1759.
He was ...
(1759–1841), engraver
*
Joseph Black
Joseph Black (16 April 1728 – 6 December 1799) was a Scottish physicist and chemist, known for his discoveries of magnesium, latent heat, specific heat, and carbon dioxide. He was Professor of Anatomy and Chemistry at the University of Glas ...
(1728–1799), physician (''CP'')
* Rev
Hugh Blair
Hugh Blair FRSE (7 April 1718 – 27 December 1800) was a Scottish minister of religion, author and rhetorician, considered one of the first great theorists of written discourse.
As a minister of the Church of Scotland, and occupant of the Ch ...
(1718–1800)
*
Sir James Hunter Blair, 1st Baronet
Sir James Hunter Blair, 1st Baronet FRSE (February 1741 – 1 July 1787) was a Scottish banker, landowner and politician.
Life
Born John Hunter in Ayr, the son of a merchant,Monuments and monumental inscriptions in Scotland: The Caledonian Soci ...
(1741–1787)
*
Robert Blair, Lord Avontoun
Robert Blair of Avontoun FRSE (1741–1811) was a Scottish advocate and judge who served as Solicitor General for Scotland from 1789 to 1806, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates from 1801 to 1808, and Lord President of the Court of Session from 1808 ...
(1741–1811) judge (''CP'')
*
Very Rev Andrew Brown (1763–1834) minister and historian of
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia ( ; ; ) is one of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada. It is one of the three Maritime provinces and one of the four Atlantic provinces. Nova Scotia is Latin for "New Scotland".
Most of the population are native Eng ...
*
George Buchanan
George Buchanan ( gd, Seòras Bochanan; February 1506 – 28 September 1582) was a Scottish historian and humanist scholar. According to historian Keith Brown, Buchanan was "the most profound intellectual sixteenth century Scotland produced." ...
(died 1582), historian and reformer
*
James Buchanan of Drumpellier
James Buchanan of Drumpellier (1726–1786) was an 18th-century tobacco merchant who twice served as Lord Provost of Glasgow from 1768 to 1770 and 1774 to 1776.
Life
He was born at Long Croft in Glasgow (now known as Virginia Street) in 1726 ...
(1726–1786) twice
Lord Provost of Glasgow
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Glasgow is the convener of the Glasgow City Council. Elected by the city councillors, the Lord Provost serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the entire city. The office is equiv ...
after whom
Buchanan Street
Buchanan Street is one of the main shopping thoroughfares in Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. It forms the central stretch of Glasgow's famous shopping district with a generally more upmarket range of shops than the neighbouring streets: ...
is named
*
James Burnett, Lord Monboddo
James Burnett, Lord Monboddo (baptised 25 October 1714; died 26 May 1799) was a Scottish judge, scholar of linguistic evolution, philosopher and deist. He is most famous today as a founder of modern comparative historical linguistics. In 1767 ...
(1714–1799) judge (''CP'' – unmarked)
* Sir
John Byres of Coates
Sir John Byres of Coates (1569–1629) was a 16th/17th century Scottish banker and merchant who served as Treasurer and Old Provost for Edinburgh Town Council. Old Provost is the equivalent of Deputy Provost.
Byers Close on the Royal Mile ...
(Coittes) (1569–1629)
*
Robert Cadell
Robert Cadell (16 December 1788 – 20 January 1849) was a bookseller and publisher closely associated with Sir Walter Scott.
Life
He was born at Cockenzie, East Lothian, Scotland, the fifth son of John Cadell, a Laird of Cockenzie, and Marie ...
(1788–1849), publisher
*
Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll
Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll (26 February 1629 – 30 June 1685) was a Scottish peer and soldier.
The hereditary chief of Clan Campbell, and a prominent figure in Scottish politics, he was a Royalist supporter during the latter stage ...
(1629–1685), nobleman
*
General Duncan Campbell of Lochnell (1763–1837)
*
Very Rev Dr John Campbell (1758-1828) Moderator of the Church of Scotland in 1818
*
Sir Hugh Campbell
Sir Hugh Campbell of Cessnock in Ayrshire was a 17th-century baronet of Cessnock. His lineage was from the Campbells of Loudoun.G. Harvey Johnston, ''The Heraldry of the Campbells'', vol. II (1921p. 59
Sir Hugh was the MP for Ayrshire in the ...
of Cesnock, covenanter and MP for Ayrshire (1615–1688)
*
Aglionby Ross Carson
Aglionby Ross Carson FRSE LLD (1780 – 4 November 1850) was an educationalist and author. He served as rector of the High School in Edinburgh from 1820 to 1845. His Latin texts remain in use. In texts he is usually referred to as A. R. Carson.
...
FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1780–1850), rector of the High School 1820–1845, author
*
William Carstares
William Carstares (also Carstaires) (11 February 164928 December 1715) was a minister of the Church of Scotland, active in Whig politics.
Early life
Carstares was born at Cathcart, near Glasgow, Scotland, the son of the Rev. John Carstares, a ...
(1649–1715), churchman and statesman
*
Colonel Francis Charteris (1675–1732), notorious rake and member of the
Hellfire club
Hellfire Club was a name for several exclusive clubs for high-society rakes established in Britain and Ireland in the 18th century. The name most commonly refers to Francis Dashwood's Order of the Friars of St. Francis of Wycombe. Such clubs, ...
*
Robert Chieslie
Sir Robert Chieslie of Dalry (sometimes spelled Cheislie, Chiesley or Chishley) (c. 1650 – c. 1705) was a Scottish merchant who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1694 to 1696.
Given the rarity of the name he is probably Robert Cheisl ...
(c. 1650 - c. 1705)
Lord Provost who lost a fortune in the
Darien scheme
The Darien scheme was an unsuccessful attempt, backed largely by investors of the Kingdom of Scotland, to gain wealth and influence by establishing ''New Caledonia'', a colony on the Isthmus of Panama, in the late 1690s. The plan was for the co ...
and died in Darien House (the asylum).
* Prof
Alexander Christison
Alexander Christison FRSE (1751–1820) was a Scottish educator and mathematician during the Scottish Enlightenment.
Life
He was born in 1753, at Redpath House, Longformacus, Berwickshire. He was the eldest of seven children to a tenant shee ...
FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1753–1820)
*
William Colvill
William Colvill, sometimes spelt William Colville (c.1612–1675) was a 17th-century Scottish minister of the Church of Scotland and scholar and was the Principal of the University of Edinburgh from 1662 to 1675.
Life
Colvill was educated ...
(d.1675) principal of
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh ( sco, University o Edinburgh, gd, Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann; abbreviated as ''Edin.'' in post-nominals) is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Granted a royal charter by King James VI in 15 ...
, location unknown
*
William Coulter
William Coulter is an American Celtic guitarist, performer, recording artist, and teacher. Since 1981 he has explored the world of traditional music as a soloist with ensembles including Isle of Skye, Orison, and the Coulter-Phillips Ensemble.
...
,
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
(1808–1810)
*
Bishop William Cowper (1568–1619)
*
James Craig (1739–1795), architect and designer of Edinburgh's New Town
*
William Creech
William Creech FRSE (12 May 1745 – 14 January 1815) was a Scottish publisher, printer, bookseller and politician. For 40 years Creech was the chief publisher in Edinburgh. He published the first Edinburgh edition of Robert Burns' poems, and ...
(1745–1815), bookseller and
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
*
Andrew Crosbie
Andrew Crosbie of Holm FRSE FSAScot (1736–1785) was a Scottish lawyer and antiquarian, and a notable figure of the Scottish Enlightenment. He was a close friend and companion of James Boswell and with him co-wrote the legal song ''The Justi ...
(1736–1785), lawyer and founding Fellow of the
Royal Society of Edinburgh
The Royal Society of Edinburgh is Scotland's national academy of science and letters. It is a registered charity that operates on a wholly independent and non-partisan basis and provides public benefit throughout Scotland. It was established i ...
(unmarked)
* Sir
Hugh Cunningham of Bonnington
Sir Hugh Cunningham of Bonnington (1642–1710) was a 17th-century Scottish merchant who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1702 to 1704.
Life
He was the son of Hugh Cunningham of Craigend House near Stow, a descendant of William Cunnin ...
(1643–1710),
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
1702-4 (CP)
*
John Dalrymple (1734-1779) Lord Provost 1770 and 1777 (CP)
* Prof
Andrew Dalzell
Andrew Dalzell (sometimes shown as Andrew Dalzel or Andrew Dalziel) FRSE (1742–1806) was a Scottish scholar and prominent figure during the Scottish Enlightenment. In 1783 he was a co-founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Life
He was b ...
,
FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
Professor of Greek at the
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh ( sco, University o Edinburgh, gd, Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann; abbreviated as ''Edin.'' in post-nominals) is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Granted a royal charter by King James VI in 15 ...
(1742–1806)
* Charles
Kemp Davidson, Lord Davidson
The Hon Charles Kemp Davidson, Lord Davidson FRSE (13 April 1929 – 18 June 2009) was a Scottish lawyer who rose to be a Senator of the College of Justice and Dean of the Faculty of Advocates. He was Chairman of the Scottish Law Commission 1988 t ...
(1929–2009) Senator of the College of Justice
*
Forrest Dewar
Forrest Dewar FRCSEd (1748–1817) was an 18th/19th century Scottish surgeon who served as President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh for the period 1786 to 1788.
Life
He was born on 1 October 1748 the son of John Dewar and Eliza ...
(1748–1817) surgeon, President of the
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is a professional organisation of surgeons. The College has seven active faculties, covering a broad spectrum of surgical, dental, and other medical practices. Its main campus is located on ...
1786/88
*
Alexander Donaldson (1727–1794), bookseller and publisher
* Admiral
Sir Charles Douglas, 1st Baronet
Rear Admiral Sir Charles Douglas, 1st Baronet (1727 – 17 March 1789) was a descendant of the Earls of Morton and a distinguished British naval officer. He is particularly known for his part in the Battle of the Saintes during the American War ...
(1727–1789)
*
James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton
James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton (c. 1516 – 2 June 1581, aged 65) was the last of the four regents of Scotland during the minority of King James VI. He was in some ways the most successful of the four, since he won the civil war that had b ...
(c. 1516–1581), Regent of Scotland
*
Adam Drummond of Binend (1679–1758) Professor of Anatomy at the
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh ( sco, University o Edinburgh, gd, Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann; abbreviated as ''Edin.'' in post-nominals) is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Granted a royal charter by King James VI in 15 ...
*
Adam Drummond (1713–1786)
*
Very Rev John Drysdale FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
DD (1718–1788) twice
Moderator of the Church of Scotland
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is the minister or elder chosen to moderate (chair) the annual General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, which is held for a week in Edinburgh every year. After chairing the Asse ...
in both 1773 and 1784, son-in-law to William Adam and buried in the Adam mausoleum
* Prof
George Dunbar (classical scholar)
George Dunbar FRSE (1777–6 December 1851) was a Scottish classical scholar and lexicographer who authored a classical Greek dictionary, and Professor of Greek at the University of Edinburgh.
Biography
George Dunbar was born in 1777 at Cold ...
(1777–1851)
*
William Dunlop (ecclesiastical historian) (1692–1720)
*
John Erskine (theologian)
John Erskine (1721–1803), the Scottish theologian, was born near Dunfermline at Carnock on 2 June 1721. His father was the great Scottish jurist John Erskine of Carnock and his grandfather was Colonel John Erskine of Cardross who had been ...
(1721–1803)
*
Mary Erskine
Mary may refer to:
People
* Mary (name), a feminine given name (includes a list of people with the name)
Religious contexts
* New Testament people named Mary, overview article linking to many of those below
* Mary, mother of Jesus, also calle ...
(1629–1708), founder of
The Mary Erskine School
The Mary Erskine School, popularly known as "Mary Erskine's" or "MES", is an all-girls independent secondary school in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was founded in 1694 and has a roll of around 750 pupils. It is the sister school of the all-boys Stewa ...
(''CP'')
* Sir
David Falconer
Sir David Falconer of Newton (1640Edinburgh, Midlothian, 15 December 1685) was a Scottish judge.
Biography
He was the second son of Sir David Falconer of Glenfarquhar, one of the Commissaries of Edinburgh, and the former Margaret Hepburn, ...
(1640–1685), judge
* Sir James Falconer of Phesdo (1648–1706), judge and Senator of the College of Justice
*
Sir Adam Ferguson
Sir Adam Ferguson (1770–1854) was deputy keeper of the regalia in Scotland.
Life
Ferguson was born on 21 December 1770, the first son of Professor Adam Ferguson.
Ferguson is recorded attending the Royal High School, Edinburgh in 1777. At both ...
(1770–1854) soldier son of
Adam Ferguson
Adam Ferguson, (Scottish Gaelic: ''Adhamh MacFhearghais''), also known as Ferguson of Raith (1 July N.S./20 June O.S. 1723 – 22 February 1816), was a Scottish philosopher and historian of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Ferguson was sympathet ...
(''CP'')
*
James Ferguson, Lord Pitfour
James Ferguson, Lord Pitfour (1700 – 25 June 1777) was a Scottish advocate and second Laird of Pitfour, a large estate in Buchan. His flourishing law practice was sited opposite Parliament House in Edinburgh. He became Dean of the Faculty ...
(1700–1777)
* Admiral
John Macpherson Ferguson (1784–1855) younger son of
Adam Ferguson
Adam Ferguson, (Scottish Gaelic: ''Adhamh MacFhearghais''), also known as Ferguson of Raith (1 July N.S./20 June O.S. 1723 – 22 February 1816), was a Scottish philosopher and historian of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Ferguson was sympathet ...
(''CP'')
*
John MacMorran
Baillie John MacMorran (1553-1595), a merchant and Baillie of Edinburgh, was killed during a riot at Edinburgh High School. His house at Riddle's Court is a valued monument on Edinburgh's Lawnmarket.
Career
John MacMorran was a merchant involv ...
(1553-1595), Burgh official shot by schoolchildren.
*
Duncan Forbes, Lord Culloden
Duncan Forbes of Culloden (10 November 1685 – 10 December 1747) was a Scottish lawyer and Whig politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1721 to 1737. As Lord President and senior Scottish legal officer, he played a major role in helpin ...
(1685–1747), politician and judge
*
Sir William Forbes, 6th Baronet
Sir William Forbes, 6th Baronet of Monymusk and Pitsligo, usually known as William Forbes of Pitsligo (1739–1806), was a Scottish banker. He was known also as an improving landlord, philanthropist, and writer.
Life and career
He was born i ...
of Monymusk and Pitsligo
FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1739–1806) and his son Sir William Forbes, 7th Baronet (1773–1828), banker
*
Sir James Forrest, 1st Baronet
Sir James Forrest, 1st Baronet of Comiston FRSE (1780-1860) was a Scottish baronet and Whig politician who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh 1837–1843. The family crest is three oak trees. Forrest Road in Edinburgh is named in his honour.
L ...
(1780–1860),
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
1837–43
*
Alexander Forrester (1611-1686)
*
Francis Garden, Lord Gardenstone
Francis Garden, Lord Gardenstone of Troup FRSE FSA (24 June 1721 – 22 July 1793) was a Scottish lawyer and judge. He was joint Solicitor General for Scotland from 1760 to 1764, when he became a Senator of the College of Justice.
Early l ...
(1721–1793) law lord (unmarked grave)
*
William Ged
William Ged (169919 October 1749) was a Scottish goldsmith who has been credited with the invention of stereotyping.
However, he was not the first to use the process.
Ged was born in Edinburgh, where he carried on business as a goldsmith. In 1725 ...
(1699–1749), inventor of stereotyping (unmarked grave)
*
Walter Geikie
Walter Geikie RSA (10 November 17951 August 1837) was a Scottish painter.
Life
He was born in Edinburgh on 10 November 1795. At the age of two, he had a "nervous fever" which left him deaf. Through the careful attention of his father he obt ...
(1795–1837), artist
*
Arthur Giles (1834-1921) Princes Street bookseller and printer.
*
Adam Gillies, Lord Gillies
Adam Gillies, Lord Gillies (1760–1842) was a Scottish judge.
Life
He was born in Brechin, Forfarshire on 29 April 1766, the son of Margaret (née Smith) and Robert Gillies, he was the younger brother of historian John Gillies.
Gillies wa ...
(1760–1842), judge (''CP'')
*
Dr John Gordon (1786–1818), anatomist and anti-phrenologist
*
Lewis Duncan Brodie Gordon (1815–1876) civil engineer
* Very Rev Prof
John Gowdie
John Gowdie (1682–1762) was a Scotland, Scottish academic and Church of Scotland minister. He was Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1733.
Life
He was born in Jedburgh the son of John Gowdie, a schoolteacher, and hi ...
(1682-1762) Moderator in 1733, Principal of
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh ( sco, University o Edinburgh, gd, Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann; abbreviated as ''Edin.'' in post-nominals) is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Granted a royal charter by King James VI in 15 ...
* Admiral
Alexander Graeme
Admiral Alexander Graeme (9 December 1741 – 5 August 1818) was a Royal Navy officer who became Commander-in-Chief, The Nore.
Naval career
Born at ''Graemeshall'' in Orkney, Graeme became commanding officer of the sloop HMS ''Kingfisher'' in F ...
(1741–1818), naval officer
*
James Gillespie Graham
James Gillespie Graham (11 June 1776 – 11 March 1855) was a Scottish architect, prominent in the early 19th century.
Life
Graham was born in Dunblane on 11 June 1776. He was the son of Malcolm Gillespie, a solicitor. He was christened as J ...
(1777–1855), architect (''CP'')
*
Lord Patrick Grant (1691–1754), judge (''CP'')
*
John Gray (died 1858), owner of Greyfriars Bobby
*
John Hall of Dunglass (1650–1695) Lord Provost and his great grandson
Sir James Hall
Sir James Hall of Dunglass, 4th Baronet Royal Society, FRS FRSE (17 January 1761 – 23 June 1832) was a Scotland, Scottish geologist and geophysicist. He was a Member of Parliament (United Kingdom), Member of Parliament for St. Michael's borough ( ...
(1761–1832) geologist
*
Robert Hamilton (advocate)
Robert Hamilton FRSE (19 April 1763 – 13 December 1831) was a Scottish advocate and close friend of Sir Walter Scott. Enjoying boat trips and other excursions together, Scott termed him Our Lord High Admiral Hamilton in his diaries. He is noted ...
FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1763–1831) friend of
Sir Walter Scott
Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet (15 August 1771 – 21 September 1832), was a Scottish novelist, poet, playwright and historian. Many of his works remain classics of European and Scottish literature, notably the novels '' Ivanhoe'', '' Rob Roy' ...
*
Matthew Hardie
Matthew may refer to:
* Matthew (given name)
* Matthew (surname)
* ''Matthew'' (ship), the replica of the ship sailed by John Cabot in 1497
* ''Matthew'' (album), a 2000 album by rapper Kool Keith
* Matthew (elm cultivar), a cultivar of the Ch ...
(1755–1826) violin maker nicknamed the 'Scottish Stradivari'
*
Franz Hedrich (1823–1895) German poet
*
Alexander Henderson (died 1646), churchman and statesman
*
Thomas Henderson FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1798-1844) unmarked within the grave of his father-in-law
Alexander Adie
Alexander James Adie FRSE MWS (1775, Edinburgh – 4 December 1858, Edinburgh) was a Scottish maker of medical instruments, optician and meteorologist. He was the inventor of the sympiesometer, patented in 1818.
Life
He was born the son of Jo ...
*
George Heriot
George Heriot (15 June 1563 – 12 February 1624) was a Scottish goldsmith and philanthropist. He is chiefly remembered today as the founder of George Heriot's School, a large independent school in Edinburgh; his name has also been given to H ...
(1540–1610) goldsmith, father to
George Heriot
George Heriot (15 June 1563 – 12 February 1624) was a Scottish goldsmith and philanthropist. He is chiefly remembered today as the founder of George Heriot's School, a large independent school in Edinburgh; his name has also been given to H ...
*
Rev Prof John Hill FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1747–1805) classicist
*
Vice Admiral Sir George Home (1740–1803)
*
Sir James Home (1790–1836)
*
Vice Admiral Sir John Home of Blackadder (died 1803)
*
John Hope (botanist)
Professor John Hope (10 May 1725 – 10 November 1786) was a Scottish physician and botanist. Although he did enormous work on plant classification and plant physiology, due to an absence of publications, he is now best known as an early suppo ...
(1725–1786),his physician son,
Thomas Charles Hope
Thomas Charles Hope (21 July 1766 – 13 June 1844) was a British physician, chemist and lecturer. He proved the existence of the element strontium, and gave his name to Hope's Experiment, which shows that water reaches its maximum density at ...
(1766–1844), his grandson,
John Hope (lawyer) (1807-1893), and five other members of his family.
*
Sir Thomas Hope, 1st Baronet
Sir Thomas Hope, 1st Baronet Hope of Craighall (1573–1646) was a Scottish lawyer, and Lord Advocate under Charles I.
Life
He was the son of an eminent Edinburgh merchant, Henry Hope, and his French wife, Jacqueline de Tott, her parents of ...
(1573–1646)
*
William Howison (1798–1850), engraver
*
Alexander Gibson Hunter of Blackness (1771–1812) book collector and publisher in partnership with
Archibald Constable
Archibald David Constable (24 February 1774 – 21 July 1827) was a Scottish publisher, bookseller and stationer.
Life
Constable was born at Carnbee, Fife, son of the land steward to the Earl of Kellie.
In 1788 Archibald was apprenticed to Pe ...
*
James Hutton
James Hutton (; 3 June O.S.172614 June 1726 New Style. – 26 March 1797) was a Scottish geologist, agriculturalist, chemical manufacturer, naturalist and physician. Often referred to as the father of modern geology, he played a key role i ...
(1726–1797), geologist (''CP'')
*
Sir David Innes (d.1866)
*
Gilbert Innes of Stow (died 1832)
*
George Jamesone
George Jamesone (or Jameson) (c. 1587 – 1644) was a Scottish painter who is regarded as Scotland's first eminent portrait-painter.
Early years
He was born in Aberdeen, where his father, Andrew Jamesone, was a stonemason. Jamesone attended t ...
(1587–1644) Scotland's foremost 17th-century portrait artist
*
John Kay (caricaturist)
John Kay (1742 – 21 February 1826) was a Scottish caricaturist and engraver.
Life
He was born near Dalkeith, where his father was a mason. At 13 he was apprenticed to a barber, whom he served for six years. He then went to Edinburgh ...
(1742–1826)
*
Alexander Kemp FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1822–1854) chemist
*
Robert Kerr (1759–1813) scientific author
* Rev
James Kirkton
James Kirkton (1628–1699) was a Church of Scotland minister and author.
He is best known as author of ''The Secret and True History of the Church of Scotland'', which despite being over 300 years old, remains in print.
Life
He was born in ...
(1628-1699) in the Trotter vault
*
James L'Amy
James L'Amy of Dunkenny (8 July 1772- 15 January 1854) was a Scottish advocate and amateur phrenologist. He served as Sheriff of Forfar from 1819 until death.
Life
L'Amy was born on 8 July 1772 the son of Agnes (née) Hamilton and John Ramsay L ...
of Dunkenny
FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1772–1854) advocate and phrenologist
*
John Law
John Law may refer to:
Arts and entertainment
*John Law (artist) (born 1958), American artist
*John Law (comics), comic-book character created by Will Eisner
*John Law (film director), Hong Kong film director
* John Law (musician) (born 1961), B ...
(c1632-1712) minister and prisoner on the
Bass Rock
The Bass Rock, or simply the Bass (), ( gd, Creag nam Bathais or gd, Am Bas) is an island in the outer part of the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland. Approximately offshore, and north-east of North Berwick, it is a steep-sided volcan ...
*
Sir John Leach (1760–1834) judge, buried in the Adam mausoleum
*
John Learmonth
John Learmonth of Dean, DL FRSE (26 May 1789 – 17 December 1858) was Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1831 to 1833. He was co-funder of the Dean Bridge project in western Edinburgh and gives his name to many of the streets in Comely Bank, the ...
of Dean (1789–1858),
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
1831–33 (''CP'') and his ancestor
James Learmonth, Lord Balcomie
James Learmonth, Lord Balcomie (1600–1657) was a 17th-century Scottish judge and Senator of the College of Justice.
Life
He was born at Balcomie Castle near Crail, the eldest son of Sir John Learmonth (1567-1625) of Balcomie and Birkhill a ...
*
William Little (1525–1601) twice
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
1586 and 1591
*
Sir George Lockhart (1630–1689), murder victim buried in
Mackenzie's tomb
*
Thomas McCrie (1772–1835), historian, and his son
Thomas M'Crie the Younger
Thomas M'Crie (earlier spellings include McCree and Maccrie) (7 November 1797–9 May 1875) was a Presbyterian minister and church historian. He was a Scottish Secession minister who joined the Free Church of Scotland and served as the M ...
(1797–1875)
*
Alexander MacDuff of Bonhard
FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1816–1866)
*
William McGonagall
William Topaz McGonagall (March 1825 – 29 September 1902) was a Scottish poet of Irish descent. He gained notoriety as an extremely bad poet who exhibited no recognition of, or concern for, his peers' opinions of his work.
He wrote about 2 ...
(1825–1902), poet
*
Duncan Ban MacIntyre
Donnchadh Bàn Mac an t-Saoir, anglicized as ''Duncan Ban MacIntyre'' (20 March 1724 – 14 May 1812), was one of the most renowned of Scottish Gaelic poets. He formed an integral part of one of the golden ages of Gaelic poetry in Scotland d ...
(1724–1812), Gaelic poet
*
Colin MacLaurin
Colin Maclaurin (; gd, Cailean MacLabhruinn; February 1698 – 14 June 1746) was a Scottish mathematician who made important contributions to geometry and algebra. He is also known for being a child prodigy and holding the record for bei ...
(1698–1746), mathematician, and his son
John Maclaurin, Lord Dreghorn
The Hon John Maclaurin, Lord Dreghorn FRSE (15 December 1734 – 24 December 1796) was a Scottish advocate who rose to be a Senator of the College of Justice. In 1783 he was one of the founders of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He was a prolific ...
(1734–1796)
*
Hugh Mackail, martyr (1640?–1666) minister hanged at the market-cross after being tortured with the
boot
A boot is a type of footwear. Most boots mainly cover the foot and the ankle, while some also cover some part of the lower calf. Some boots extend up the leg, sometimes as far as the knee or even the hip. Most boots have a heel that is cle ...
*
Sir George Mackenzie
Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh (1636 – May 8, 1691) was a Scottish lawyer, Lord Advocate, essayist and legal writer.
Early life
Mackenzie, who was born in Dundee, was the son of Sir Simon Mackenzie of Lochslin (died c. 1666) and Elizabe ...
(1636–1691), Lord Advocate
*
Henry Mackenzie
Henry Mackenzie FRSE (August 1745 – 14 January 1831, born and died in Edinburgh) was a Scottish lawyer, novelist and writer sometimes seen as the Addison of the North. While remembered mostly as an author, his main income came from legal role ...
(1745–1831), writer and author of ''
The Man of Feeling
''The Man of Feeling'' is a sentimental novel published in 1771, written by Scottish author Henry Mackenzie. The novel presents a series of moral vignettes which the naïve protagonist Harley either observes, is told about, or participates in. ...
'' and his son
Joshua Henry Mackenzie, Lord Mackenzie
The Hon. Joshua Henry Mackenzie, Lord Mackenzie (1774 – 1871) was a 19th-century Scottish lawyer who rose to be a Senator of the College of Justice.
Early life
He was born in 1774 the eldest son of the Edinburgh author Henry Mackenzie and his ...
(1774–1851)
* Sir
James McLurg of Vogrie (1629–1717),
Dean of Guild
A Dean of Guild, under Scots law, was one of a group of burgh magistrates who, in later years, had the care of buildings. The leader of the group was known as Lord Dean of Guild.
Originally, the post was held by the head of the Guild brethren o ...
, philanthropist, major investor in the
Darien scheme
The Darien scheme was an unsuccessful attempt, backed largely by investors of the Kingdom of Scotland, to gain wealth and influence by establishing ''New Caledonia'', a colony on the Isthmus of Panama, in the late 1690s. The plan was for the co ...
(''CP'')
*
John Manderston,
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
1819–21
*
Sir John Medina (1659–1710) prominent artist (the "sunken" vault on the east side)
*
Alexander Miller (d. 1616), tailor to James VI
*
Patrick Miller of Dalswinton
Patrick Miller of Dalswinton, just north of Dumfries (1731–1815) was a Scottish banker, shareholder in the Carron Company engineering works and inventor. Miller is buried in a tomb against the southern wall of Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinbur ...
(1731–1815) steamship inventor
*
Alexander Moncrieff (1613–1688) prominent 17C minister, also grandfather of
Alexander Moncrieff
*
Mary Arbuthnot Moir (1804-1900) Friend of
Walter Scott
Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet (15 August 1771 – 21 September 1832), was a Scottish novelist, poet, playwright and historian. Many of his works remain classics of European and Scottish literature, notably the novels ''Ivanhoe'', ''Rob Roy (n ...
*
Robert Scott Moncrieff
Robert Scott Moncrieff (1 December 1793 – 18 June 1869) was a Scottish advocate, amateur illustrator and caricaturist.
Life
He was born in Tullibole Castle near Fossoway on 1 December 1793.
He trained in law at the University of Edinburgh ...
(1793–1869) advocate and amateur artist and his son
Colin Scott-Moncrieff
Colonel Sir Colin Campbell Scott-Moncrieff (3 August 1836 – 6 April 1916) was a British engineer, soldier and civil servant, best known for repairing the Delta Barrage, Nile Barrage and reorganizing the irrigation system of Egypt in the 1880 ...
(''CP'')
* Dr
Alexander Monro (1697–1767) and his son
Alexander
Alexander is a male given name. The most prominent bearer of the name is Alexander the Great, the king of the Ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia who created one of the largest empires in ancient history.
Variants listed here are Aleksandar, Al ...
(1733–1817), famed anatomists
*
Alexander Monteith (surgeon)
Alexander Monteith of Auldcathie (1660-1713) was an Edinburgh surgeon, who in his three terms as deacon (president) of the Incorporation of Surgeons of Edinburgh, presided over some of the most important changes in its history. These included ob ...
(1660–1713) surgeon and apothecary
*
Sir Harry Munro, 7th Baronet
Sir Harry Munro, 7th Baronet (c. 1720 – 12 June 1781) was 25th Baron and the 28th chief of the Clan Munro. He was a Scottish soldier and politician. He was loyal to the Hanoverian dynasty and served as a captain in Loudon's Highlanders Regim ...
(1720–1781) military leader during the Rebellion of 1745
* Sir Archibald Muir, twice
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
1691–92 and 1696–98
* Prof
Alexander Murray (1775–1813)
*
James Murray of Deuchar (1571 – 30 April 1649), wealthy merchant
*
John Mylne (1611–1667), mason and architect
* Sir
William Newbigging
Sir William Newbigging FRSE FRCSEd FRGS (25 April 1773''Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950'' – 23 October 1852) was a Scottish surgeon who served as President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh from 1814 to 1816. He ...
FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1772–1852), physician
*
Alexander Nisbet
Alexander Nisbet (bapt. 23 March 1657; died 7 Dec. 1725) was a Scottish lawyer and antiquarian. He is remembered for his works on the subject of heraldry, which are generally considered to be some of the most complete and authoritative ever pr ...
(1657–1725), antiquarian and author of ''A System of Heraldry'' (grave location unclear)
*
John Nisbet
John Nisbet (1627–1685) was a Scottish covenanter who was executed for participating in the insurgency at Bothwell Brig and earlier conflicts and for attending a conventicle. He took an active and prominent part in the struggles, of the ...
(1627–1685), Covenanter, hanged at the Grassmarket
*
William Oliphant, Lord Newton
Sir William Oliphant, Lord Newton (1551–1628) was a Scottish judge.
Admitted as an advocate in 1577, he became an Advocate Depute in 1604. He gained favour of James VI by throwing up his brief for the six ministers in 1606. He was appointed a ...
(1561–1628), judge
*
John Paton,
Covenanter
Covenanters ( gd, Cùmhnantaich) were members of a 17th-century Scottish religious and political movement, who supported a Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and the primacy of its leaders in religious affairs. The name is derived from ''Covenan ...
and army captain, executed in 1684
*
Archibald Pitcairne
Archibald Pitcairne or Pitcairn (25 December 165220 October 1713) was a Scotland, Scottish physician.
He was a physician and poet who first studied law at Edinburgh and Paris graduating with an M.A. from Edinburgh in 1671. He turned hi ...
(1652–1713), physician
*
Captain John Porteous
Captain John Porteous (c. 1695 – 1736), was a Scottish soldier and Captain of the Edinburgh City or Town Guard.
Early life
John Porteous was born at The Glen, Quair Water, near Traquair, in the Borders, the son of Stephen Porteous, a tail ...
(c. 1695–1736), soldier and lynching victim, after whom the
Porteous Riots
The Porteous Riots surrounded the activities of Captain John Porteous (c. 1695 – 1736), Captain of the City Guard of Edinburgh, Scotland, who was lynched by a mob for his part in the killing of innocent civilians while ordering the men ...
are named
*
Gilbert Primrose (1535–1616) surgeon
*
James Rae (surgeon)
James Rae (1716–1791) was a Scottish surgeon, known as the earliest lecturer on surgery in Edinburgh and with a particular reputation as a dental surgeon.
Life
The only son of John Rae (1677–1754), a barber-surgeon originally from Stirlings ...
(1716–1791)
*
Allan Ramsay Allan Ramsay may refer to:
*Allan Ramsay (poet) or Allan Ramsay the Elder (1686–1758), Scottish poet
*Allan Ramsay (artist) or Allan Ramsay the Younger (1713–1784), Scottish portrait painter
*Allan Ramsay (diplomat) (1937–2022), British diplom ...
(1686–1758), poet
*
Archibald Riddell (minister)
Rev Archibald Riddell (1635–1708) was a Scots-born 17th-century Presbyterian church minister in Scotland and America. His name is sometimes spelled Riddel. He preached at conventicles in a time when such actions were considered high treas ...
prisoner on the
Bass Rock
The Bass Rock, or simply the Bass (), ( gd, Creag nam Bathais or gd, Am Bas) is an island in the outer part of the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland. Approximately offshore, and north-east of North Berwick, it is a steep-sided volcan ...
and covenanting minister at New Jersey and Edinburgh
* General
Henry James Riddell
General Henry James Riddell Royal Guelphic Order, KH (died 8 March 1861) was a British Army officer who became Commander-in-Chief, Scotland.
Military career
Riddell was commissioned in 1798 and took part in the Battle of Copenhagen (1807), Ba ...
(died 1861) commander in chief of the Scottish army
* Thomas Riddell possible inspiration for J. K. Rowling's
fictional character who cannot be named
*
William Ritchie (1781–1832)) founder and editor of
The Scotsman
''The Scotsman'' is a Scottish compact newspaper and daily news website headquartered in Edinburgh. First established as a radical political paper in 1817, it began daily publication in 1855 and remained a broadsheet until August 2004. Its par ...
*
William Robertson D.D. (1721–1793), historian and his son Lt Col
David Robertson MacDonald
Lieutenant-Colonel David Robertson Macdonald of Kinlochmoidart (1764–1845), born David Robertson, was a British Army officer linked to the history of Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon).
Life
He was born David Robertson on 29 September 1764, t ...
*
William Robertson (antiquary)
William Robertson FRSE (1740–1803) was an 18th-century Scottish antiquary who served as Keeper of Records for Scotland.
Life
He was born in Fordyce in northern Scotland in 1740 the son of James Robertson and his wife, Isabella Taylor. He ...
FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1740–1803)
*
George Romanes
George John Romanes FRS (20 May 1848 – 23 May 1894) was a Canadian-Scots evolutionary biologist and physiologist who laid the foundation of what he called comparative psychology, postulating a similarity of cognitive processes and mechanis ...
FRS (1848–1894) (memorial only)
*
William Roxburgh
William Roxburgh FRSE FRCPE Linnean Society of London, FLS (3/29 June 1751 – 18 February 1815) was a Scottish people, Scottish surgeon and botanist who worked extensively in India, describing species and working on economic botany. He is known ...
(1751–1815) botanist
*
Thomas Ruddiman
Thomas Ruddiman (October 167419 January 1757) was a Scottish classical scholar.
Life
He was born on a farm near Boyndie, three miles from Banff in Banffshire, where his father was a farmer.
He was educated locally, then studied at the Universi ...
(1674–1757), classical scholar and grammarian
*
Gilbert Rule
Gilbert Rule (c. 1629 – 1701) was a Nonconformist (Protestantism), nonconformist Church of Scotland minister and the Principal of Edinburgh University, Principal of Edinburgh University from 1690 to 1701.
Early life
Rule was born about 1629 ...
(1629 (approx) – 1701) minister and the
Principal of
Edinburgh University
The University of Edinburgh ( sco, University o Edinburgh, gd, Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann; abbreviated as ''Edin.'' in post-nominals) is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Granted a royal charter by King James VI in 1582 ...
from 1690 to 1701
*
Sir William Scott of Thirlestane
Sir William Scott, 2nd Baronet of Thirlestane (c.1670 – 8 October 1725) was a Scottish lawyer, known as a neo-Latin poet.
Life
He was the eldest son of Francis Scott, 1st Baronet of Thirlestane, Selkirkshire, and Lady Henrietta, daughter of ...
(1670–1725) landowner and poet (''CP'')
* Sir
Robert Sibbald
Sir Robert Sibbald (15 April 1641 – August 1722) was a Scottish physician and antiquary.
Life
He was born in Edinburgh, the son of David Sibbald (brother of Sir James Sibbald) and Margaret Boyd (January 1606 – 10 July 1672). Educated at th ...
(1641–1722) physician and botanist
*
Henry Siddons
Henry Siddons (4 October 1774 – 12 April 1815) was an English actor and theatrical manager, now remembered as a writer on gesture.
Life
Siddons was the eldest child of Sarah Siddons, and was educated at Charterhouse School, being intend ...
(1774–1815) failed actor son of
Sarah Siddons
Sarah Siddons (''née'' Kemble; 5 July 1755 – 8 June 1831) was a Welsh actress, the best-known tragedienne of the 18th century. Contemporaneous critic William Hazlitt dubbed Siddons as "tragedy personified".
She was the elder sister of John ...
, and his wife
Harriet Siddons
Harriet Siddons (née Murray; 16 April 1783 2 November 1844), sometimes known as Mrs Henry Siddons, was a Scottish actress and theatre manager.
Edinburgh referred to her as "Our" Mrs Siddons to distinguish her from her English mother-in-law ...
*
Sir James Skene (died 1633) President of the College of Justice
*
John Skene, Lord Curriehill
Sir John Skene, Lord Curriehill (1549–1617) was a Scottish prosecutor, ambassador, and judge. He was involved in the negotiations for the marriage of James VI and Anne of Denmark.
He was regent in St Mary's College, St Andrews from 1564 to 15 ...
(d.1617)
*
William Smellie (encyclopedist)
William Smellie (1740–1795) was a Scottish printer who edited the first edition of the ''Encyclopædia Britannica''. He was also a naturalist and antiquary, who was joint founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, co-founder of the Society of ...
(1740–1795) creator of the
Encyclopædia Britannica
The (Latin for "British Encyclopædia") is a general knowledge English-language encyclopaedia. It is published by Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.; the company has existed since the 18th century, although it has changed ownership various time ...
* Sir
James Spittal
Sir James Spittal (1769–1842) was a Scottish silk merchant who was Lord Provost of Edinburgh 1833 to 1837. Spittal Street in the west of Edinburgh is named after him. He was a strong Whig politician who campaigned for election reforms to increa ...
(1769–1842),
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
1833 until 1837 and his son Dr
Robert Spittal
Robert Spittal MD FRSE (c.1800–1852) was a 19th-century Scottish physician and amateur botanist.
Life
Spittal was born to Marion Brown and James Spittal. The family moved to 59 South Bridge in Edinburgh's Old Town in 1810.
He studied medi ...
*
Sir James Stewart (Lord Advocate)
Sir James Stewart (or Steuart) of Goodtrees (1635–1713) was a Scottish lawyer, political opponent of the Stuarts monarchy, and reforming Lord Advocate of Scotland from 1692 to 1713. The Jacobites nicknamed him Jamie Wylie.
Early life
...
(1635–1713) location of grave unknown
* Rev Dr
Matthew Stewart (mathematician)
Matthew Stewart FRS FRSE (1717–1785) was a Scottish mathematician and minister of the Church of Scotland.
Life
He was born in the manse at Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute, on 15 January 1717, the son of Rev Dugald Stewart, the local ministe ...
(1717–1785) father of
Dugald Stewart
Dugald Stewart (; 22 November 175311 June 1828) was a Scottish philosopher and mathematician. Today regarded as one of the most important figures of the later Scottish Enlightenment, he was renowned as a populariser of the work of Francis Hu ...
(unmarked grave)
*
James Stirling (1692–1770), mathematician
*
Sir James Stirling, 1st Baronet
Sir James Stirling, 1st Baronet of Larbert and Mansfield (c. 1740 – 17 February 1805) was a Scottish banker who served three consecutive terms as Lord Provost of Edinburgh.
Life
He was born in Edinburgh in 1740 or early in 1741, the son of A ...
(1739-1805) three times
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
and
Sir Gilbert Stirling, baronet
* Rev
James Struthers
James Struthers (1770–1807) was a late 18th century Scottish minister renowned for his orations during the Scottish Enlightenment in Edinburgh.
Life
He was born at Glassford in Lanarkshire on 31 October 1770. He studied at Glasgow Unive ...
(1770–1807) famous orator
*
James Stuart of Binend
Sir James Stuart of Binend (1716–1777) was an 18th-century Scottish merchant who was twice Lord Provost of Edinburgh 1764 to 1766 and 1768 to 1770.
Life
He was born on 13 April 1716 the son of Charles Stuart of Dunearn in Fife (1672-1732) ...
(1716–1777) twice
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
and his son
Charles Stuart of Dunearn (1745–1826)
*
Prof John Thomson FRS
FRSE
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) is an award granted to individuals that the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy of science and letters, judged to be "eminently distinguished in their subject". This soci ...
(1765–1846), President of the
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is a professional organisation of surgeons. The College has seven active faculties, covering a broad spectrum of surgical, dental, and other medical practices. Its main campus is located on ...
*
Archibald Tod (d.1656), twice
Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh is the convener of the City of Edinburgh local authority, who is elected by City_of_Edinburgh_Council, the city council and serves not only as the chair of that body, but as a figurehead for the e ...
1646–48 and 1651–54
*
Robert Traill (1603–1678), minister of the parish
* The Trotter family of
Mortonhall
Mortonhall is an area of Edinburgh, Scotland, on the south edge of the city.
The area is along the western end of the Frogston Road between Fairmilehead and Gilmerton; it is just to the south of Liberton and the Braid Hills.
The area was ...
* William Trotter (cabinet-maker), William Trotter of Ballindean (1772-1833), famous furniture maker and also Lord Provost 1825 to 1827
* William Tytler (1711–1792), his son Alexander Fraser Tytler (1747–1813) and grandson Patrick Fraser Tytler (1789–1849) (''CP'')
*Barbara and Mary Walker of Coates, rich spinsters who paid for St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh (Episcopal), St Marys Episcopal Cathedral in the west of the city
* William Wallace (mathematician), William Wallace (1768–1843), mathematician
* George Watson (accountant), George Watson (1654–1723), accountant and founder of George Watson's College
* James Watson (printer), James Watson (died 1722) printer and publisher. Founder of the Edinburgh Gazette and Edinburgh Courant
* John Watson W.S. (died 1762), founder of John Watson's Institution, now the Gallery of Modern Art.
* John Wilson of Kilmaurs executed 22 December 1666 for his part in the Pentland Rising
* Patrick Wilson (architect), Patrick Wilson (1798–1871) architect
* Robert Whytt (1714–1766) physician and president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (''CP'')
* William Wishart (primus), Very Rev William Wishart (1660-1729) and his William Wishart (secundus), son (CP)
* William Wright (botanist), William Wright (1735–1819) botanist
Gallery
File:Notable burials at Greyfriars.JPG, Notable burials
File:Greyfriars Kirkyard, north-east corner.jpg, Section of the east wall
File:Greyfriars Kirkyard, east wall.jpg, Monuments on the east wall
File:George Buchanan Memorial, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh.JPG, George Buchanan Memorial
File:Tomb of John Bayne of Pitcarlie, Greyfriars Kirkyard Edinburgh.jpg, Tomb of John Bayne of Pitcairlie (17thC)
File:Tomb of the laird of Ravilstoun, detail.jpg, Detail on the tomb of George Foulis, laird of Ravilstoun (d.1633) and his wife, Jane Bannatyne
File:Greyfriars grotesques.JPG, Detail on the John Mylne Monument (17thC)
File:Mackenzie mausoleum.JPG, Mausoleum of Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh, George Mackenzie, by James Smith
File:Memento mori, Greyfriars Kirk - geograph.org.uk - 1302429.jpg, Tombstone of James Borthwick, surgeon, who died in 1676
File:Recumbent figure, Greyfriars Kirkyard.JPG, Recumbent figure on the tomb of William and Clement Little, 1683
File:George-watson-graveyard.jpg, Gravestones in the north-west of the kirkyard, including marker for the burial site of George Watson
References
External links
Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk
{{Cemeteries in Scotland
Category A listed buildings in Edinburgh
Cemeteries in Edinburgh
Old Town, Edinburgh
Tourist attractions in Edinburgh
1561 establishments in Scotland
Kirkyards in Scotland
Reportedly haunted locations in Edinburgh