Edinburgh
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Edinburgh Town Guide, Greyfriars Kirk, 4K

Greyfriars Kirk, named after a medieval friary that once stood on the site, is located in Edinburgh's Old Town, just up the hill from the Grassmarket.

Edinburgh Town Guide, The Church, 1K The Kirk was built in the 1620s, but was greatly damaged by fire in the 19th century and was subsequently re-built. But the most interesting fact about the church has to be that it has been estimated that there are some 80,000 people buried in the tiny kirkyard.

The most famous character associated with this church is Greyfriars Bobby, a faithful Skye terrior who stood over his owner's grave here for 14 years and who has been the subject of books and films. A statue of the little dog can be found just outside the churchyard.

However, the church has also been the venue for events of much more historical significance. For it was here that in 1638 the National Covenant was signed. This was a rejection of the English Episcopalian religion and marked the start of Scottish Presbyterianism.

Edinburgh Town Guide, Martyr's Monument, 1K A backlash followed which resulted in the execution of dozens of Covenanters, many of whom were then buried in the churchyard. The nearby Martyr's Monument is a poignant memorial to them.

Also in the churchyard is one of the best surviving sections of the Flodden Wall - the defensive wall that was built around Edinburgh in the early 16th century.

All in all Greyfriars Kirk is one of Edinburgh's most atmospheric churches and is well worth a visit. It is open daily and there is an interesting visitor's centre, which tells you more about the history of the church.




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