29 December 2013

The kirkyards of Old Town

For some reason in the past couple of days, I decided to check out the two major cemeteries, or if we want to be all Scottish about it, kirkyards of Edinburgh's Old Town. 'Kirk' is an old word for church, used pretty regularly in Scotland. Since I haven't had classes to attend or anywhere in particular to be, I've been trying to make time for strolls outside when the weather is fair. I breezed through (quite literally) the churchyard at Canongate (the first set of photos below) on one of the windiest days I've yet been outside for. The sun was out for the first time in a couple of days, and I was bound and determined to make the most of it. Even if my fingers were frozen by the time I was finished taking photos! Probably the most famous person interred here is economist Adam Smith, author of Wealth of Nations.

Canongate Kirkyard Canongate Kirkyard Canongate Kirk Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh Canongate Kirk Canongate Kirkyard

And the rest are from Greyfriars. There is something so peaceful about cemeteries, and in these very historic ones, a heightened air of mystery as well. Some of the grave stones are marvelous, but pretty major deterioration over the years is also evident. And in some cases kind of surprising; there are a lot of toppled, broken, or totally missing gravestones and sculptures. On some of the larger tombs, statues' heads are missing or decorative elements are broken off. But I guess... what does one expect in a cemetery founded in the 16th century? Greyfriars has been somewhat revitalized by a community gardening project, with various kinds of plant beds spread throughout the churchyard. In the springtime I imagine it will be beautiful. It's useful, educational and... well, interesting! I mean, why not?

Greyfriars is famous for, as you may have heard, Greyfriars Bobby. There's a statue outside on the street of a little dog who, legend has it, stood guard over his owner's grave for fourteen years. His story was even made into a Disney movie back in 1961.

Medicinal garden
Greyfriars Kirkyard Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars KirkyardGreyfriars, Edinburgh Greyfriars, Edinburgh Greyfriars, Edinburgh

I, for one, can't wait until the sun is higher in the sky than that at noon ;)

Cheers!
Kate x

7 comments:

  1. Gorgeous photos! You definitely captured a sense of mystery and sent dreams of Scotland spinning in my head.

    Isabella
    adventuresinhel.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you very much! Thanks for stopping by... Scotland is such a gorgeous place, even in the throes of winter weather. ;)

      Kate

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  2. these are beautiful! cemeteries are so interesting-i'd love to visit one as old as this. and scotland's colors-i can not get over them! so amazing.

    Little Blue Backpack

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    1. Amazing color is something that Scotland does really well! Especially the green grass all year round, ha! Something I'm not used to. :)

      Kate

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  3. Amazing pictures! Hope to visit Scotland one day, it looks so middle-aged

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    1. Thanks! You should definitely make a trip someday. There's no other place quite like it. :) Beautiful landscapes and history everywhere!

      Kate

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  4. What beautiful photos! I love travel and want to go everywhere.
    And such a sweet story of the little dog guarding his master's grave.

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