Graveyard Photos from Scotland Part I: Fun with Greyfriars Bobby

Greyfriars Bobby's statue and pub.

Since this month is supposed to a celebration of all things dead, I'm continuing my travel narrative by sharing a bittersweet story of devotion that helped to inspire books and movies.This is, of course, the story of Greyfriars Bobby. If you haven't heard about this tale of inspiring devotion between a dog and his master, it goes something like this: A man named John Grey moves to Edinburgh in the early 1800s hoping to find a job as a gardener. Unfortunately, there is no work available for a gardener, so in order to avoid the workhouse, John joins the Edinburgh Police Force. His duty is night watchmen, which requires the use of a watch dog. Thus, John gets himself a dog and fittingly names him Bobby. After working together for a period of time, they develop a bond that can only be understood between dog and master. They become great friends and help each other (like all great friends do). John always made time to take Bobby out for daily walks. He knew Bobby loved them so. To show his appreciation, Bobby would do his share of the chores. Yes, indeed. John and Bobby certainly had a special bond built on trust and unanimous devotion. Yet, just like with all things in life, the bond they shared took a sad turn. After only two years of blissful companionship, John suddenly dies of tuberculosis. His body was put to rest at GreyFriars Kirkyard Cemetery .

The grave of John Grey.

Death could not stop Bobby's devotion, though. For fourteen long years, Bobby lay by his master’s grave guarding and protecting it from unsavory characters. He eventually befriended James Brown, the caretaker of the cemetery. He would soon persuade James with soft whimpers and wet puppy dog eyes to feed him, shelter him, and let him cross the cemetery gates, so he could watch over his master's grave. Sometimes they would watch over John Grey’s grave together. It always was within these quiet moments of mourning that James wondered what sort of reminisces were going through Bobby’s mind. Before he could find out, though, James died in 1868 leaving Bobby alone once again to defend himself and his master against a cruel world.


The grave of James Brown--caretaker of the cemetery.

Luckily for Bobby, though, the city of Edinburgh fell in love with Bobby and his devotion. He soon wins the key to the city. Without any worries about being sent to the pound, Bobby could go freely to the places that were important to him. And Bobby deserved it, didn't he? He certainly wasn't a symbol of fear like other murderous stray dogs. Nope. Bobby was indeed special. Even after his death in 1875, though he couldn’t be buried in the consecrated Kirkyard cemetery, he was buried along the cemetery walls and statue, in his honor, was erected right at the entrance to the cemetery—as well as the Greyfriars Bobby themed pub. To this day, people from all over the world come to visit Bobby’s memorial. Bobby would have been proud. In conclusion, there is indeed someone named James Brown in this story, but it may not be the James Brown we’ve all come to know. RIP, god father of soul.