Greyfrars Kirk
The Kirk takes its name from the Franciscan friary which was previously on this site. Greyfriars Kirk was completed in 1620 the first church to be constructed in Scotland following the Reformation.
If you read my page regularly you will know that the signing of the National Covenant took place in the Kirkyard on 28th February 1638.
In what was at the time, a field nearby, in the 18th century 1200 Covenanters were imprisoned. A section of this was incorporated into the churchyard as vaulted tombs and the area became known as the Covenanters' Prison.
Throughout the Kirkyard you will see enclosed vaults and metal fenced cages called mort safes as a deterrent to grave robbers taking the bodies from their resting place to use in the nearby medical school for autopsy and scientific experiments.
Greyfriar’s is said to be haunted by the ghost of 'Bluidy' George Mackenzie who was buried here in 1691. His Spirit is said to cause bruising, bites and cuts on those who come into contact with the spirit or touch his tomb. Some visitors have reported feeling strange sensations.
The church itself is open daily and has a small room used as museum telling it's history, oh and the story of a famous dug that spent some time in the vicinity.