The Greyfriars Bobby Fountain is a granite fountain in Edinburgh, surmounted by a bronze life-size statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for supposedly spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner John Gray until the dog itself died on 14 January 1872.
What is the story behind Greyfriars Bobby?
Greyfriars Bobby is a very famous dog in Scotland. He was a Skye Terrier who became known in the 19th century for (as legend has it) spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, until his own death on 14 January 1872.
Is Greyfriars Bobby buried with his owner?
Bobby passed away in January 1872, aged 16 years old, and as a final token to his loyalty, was buried close to his master in the kirkyard. A granite fountain with a statue of Bobby can be found opposite Greyfriars Kirkyard – a permanent memorial to this faithful pup.
Is Greyfriars Bobby Based on a true story?
According to this news article by the Telegraph, the legend of Greyfriars Bobby was nothing more than a Victorian hoax cooked up by money-grabbing businessmen. Historian Dr Jan Bonderson has unearthed evidence to suggest the loveable Bobby was in fact two different dogs. Neither of which belonged to John Gray.
How many statues of dogs are in Edinburgh?
five
There are no fewer than five dog-related statues and memorials in Edinburgh city centre, all happily within walking distance of each other. Here’s where you can find them: Greyfriars Bobby statue and gravestone.
Why is Greyfriars Bobby’s nose gold?
It’s a cute, life size statue of a very loyal dog, whose story warms my heart. However, over the years tourists have started rubbing his nose for luck. This is causing damage to his nose, as the paint wears away and he now has a golden, shiny nose, which is slowly being completely rubbed away.
How long did Greyfriars Bobby stay at grave?
fourteen years
For fourteen years the dead man’s faithful dog kept constant watch and guard over the grave until his own death in 1872.
Where are the Harry Potter graves in Greyfriars?
You’ll find Mr. Potter and a slew of familiar names at Edinburgh’s Greyfriars’s Kirkyard, just steps from The Elephant House where Rowling penned the first book. The Potters are featured on the Giles grave in the northern yard, close to the entrance to Greyfriar’s Kirk.
What does Greyfriars mean?
The Grey Friars, or Franciscans, were followers of St Francis of Assisi and founded many religious houses across Europe. They earned their name from the grey habits that were worn as a symbol of their vow of poverty.
Which dog spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner?
After his master John Gray died in 1858, Greyfriars Bobby spent the next 14 years guarding his grave, leaving just once a day to eat. Wikimedia CommonsA granite statue of Edinburgh’s famous terrier, Greyfriars Bobby.
Who is buried in Greyfriars?
Tourists now visit the graveyard to see the grave of Thomas Riddell, who died in 1806, and his son, also Thomas, who died in Trinidad in 1802 at the age of 26. Their names were used as inspiration for the character of Tom Riddle – otherwise known as Lord Voldemort.
How many people are buried in Greyfriars?
100,000 people
There are over 700 gravestones and nearly 100,000 people buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh. Burials were granted on the site in 1562 after the city’s original graveyard at St Giles became overcrowded.
What is the most famous dog in Scotland?
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 continues to be well known in Scotland, through several books and films.
Is it illegal to have your dog off the lead Scotland?
The law on controlling your dog
If you do not control your dog you could get a Dog Control Notice. You could also be taken to court. The law applies to all dogs.
Where are the plague pits in Edinburgh?
It is known that victims of the plague were isolated by shipping them to Inchkeith island in the Firth of Forth, where they surely would have died lonely, painful, deaths – the last outbreak of plague in Edinburgh in 1645 saw plague pits being dug in the Burgh Muir (near Bruntsfield and Morningside today) and on Leith
Are dogs welcome in Edinburgh?
There are lots of dog walks in Edinburgh just on our doorstep, with many delightful parks, beaches and places to explore with your pooch. Away from the hustle and bustle of busy roads, Calton Hill boasts breathtaking views across the city.
Do you rub Greyfriars Bobby’s nose?
For years visitors to Edinburgh have held the belief that touching the nose of Greyfriars Bobby will bring you luck. Over the years, this tradition has caused damage to the statue. Now, for the first time ever you have a chance to take the luck home with you.
Where is Greyfriars Bobby’s owner buried?
Greyfriars Kirkyard
In one version of the Greyfriars Bobby story, Bobby was owned by Constable John Gray of the Edinburgh Police. Constable Gray died in 1858 and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard (churchyard). Bobby sat devotedly by his grave for 14 years.
Who made Greyfriars Bobby statue?
artist William Brodie
The statue was created in bronze by artist William Brodie and is mounted on a column of polished granite above a polished granite basin. The original fountain was furnished with 2 bronze drinking cups attached to the structure.
Why did the keeper of the graveyard build a shelter for Bobby?
He died of the disease in 1858 and was buried in the local graveyard in Edinburgh. Bobby refused to leave his master’s grave, even in the worst weather conditions. The keeper of the graveyard tried many times to shoo Bobby away. Finally, he gave up and built a shelter for Bobby beside John Gray’s grave.
How do I get to Greyfriars Bobby?
The nearest stations to Greyfriars Bobby are:
- Forrest Road, Old Town is 76 meters away, 2 min walk.
- National Museum Of Scotland, Old Town is 97 meters away, 2 min walk.
- Bristo Place, Old Town is 117 meters away, 2 min walk.
- Victoria Street, Old Town is 183 meters away, 3 min walk.