Greyfriars Bobby: A Timeless Scottish Icon

Greyfriars Bobby is a beloved Scottish icon, known for his loyalty and dedication to his owner, John Gray.

Bobby was a Skye Terrier who lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the 19th century.

He spent 14 years guarding his owner's grave, earning him a special place in Scottish folklore.

This remarkable loyalty is a testament to the strong bond between humans and animals.

For more insights, see: Millie Bobby Brown Dog

Bobby was a beloved dog who sat on his master's grave for 14 years. He spent the rest of his life sitting on the grave of John Gray, who worked as a nightwatchman for the Edinburgh City Police.

Bobby's story caught the attention of Sir William Chambers, the lord provost of Edinburgh, who paid for Bobby's licence and gave him a collar. This collar is now on display at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Bobby was a loyal companion to John Gray, and his dedication to the grave was remarkable. He sat by the grave for 14 years, a testament to his love and loyalty.

A necropsy was performed on Bobby after he died in 1872, and it was determined that he had died from cancer of the jaw. This was conducted by Prof Thomas Walley of the Edinburgh Veterinary College.

Bobby was buried just inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard, not far from John Gray's grave.

The story of Greyfriars Bobby has been questioned by many over the years.

The accuracy of the story has been challenged by several authors, including Forbes Macgregor, Jan Bondeson, and Richard Brassey in their books about the dog.

Councillor Wilson McLaren responded to contemporary questions about the story's accuracy in a 1934 newspaper article in The Scotsman, describing a conversation he had with "Mr Traill" in 1871 about the dog he was feeding.

Two opposing letters to The Scotsman newspaper in 1889, both from people claiming close links to Greyfriars Kirk, show the difficulty of determining the accuracy of the story.

One of the main points of contention is which of two people named John Gray was the real owner of Bobby, with one being a night watchman and the other a farmer.

Jan Bondeson's book suggests that fundamental facts about the dog and its loyalty are wrong, and that the story of Bobby may have been exaggerated for commercial gain.

Visitor numbers to the graveyard increased after an article about Bobby appeared in The Scotsman, supposedly creating a commercial benefit for the local community.

According to a book published in 2022, Bobby was more likely to have been a dandie dinmont terrier than a Skye terrier, as the dandie dinmont terrier was extremely popular in Scotland at the time.

There were over 60 documented accounts of graveyard or cemetery dogs in 19th-century Europe, which were fed by visitors and curators and made the graveyards their home.

Greyfriars Bobby's legacy lives on through various memorials and tributes scattered throughout Edinburgh. The Greyfriars Bobby Fountain is a notable example, featuring a life-size statue of the loyal dog created by William Brodie in 1872.

This fountain is a listed structure and a testament to the enduring popularity of Greyfriars Bobby. It's located in a prominent spot, making it easily accessible to visitors.

The Greyfriars Bobby's Bar is another tribute to the dog, situated on the ground floor of the Candlemaker Row's houses. It's a great place to grab a drink and learn more about Greyfriars Bobby's story.

A headstone was erected by The Dog Aid Society of Scotland in memory of Greyfriars Bobby. Unveiled by the Duke of Gloucester in 1981, it reads: "Greyfriars Bobby – Died 14 January 1872 – Aged 16 years – Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all".

A new monument was placed near the east wall of Greyfriars Kirk in 2021 to mark the 150th anniversary of Greyfriars Bobby's death. This monument was ordered by Robbie Beattie, a senior manager with Edinburgh City Council's Bereavement Service.

Here are some of the notable memorials and tributes to Greyfriars Bobby:

The story of Greyfriars Bobby has captured the hearts of many, and it's no surprise that it has been immortalized in various forms of media. The first film adaptation was released in 1961, directed by Don Chaffey and starring Donald Crisp and Laurence Naismith.

The 1961 Disney film was a hit, and it's still considered a classic today. It was filmed on location in Edinburgh, showcasing the city's beautiful scenery.

The story has been retold in another film, "The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby", released in 2005. This version was directed by John Henderson and starred James Cosmo, Gina McKee, Christopher Lee, and Ardal O'Hanlon.

Here are some notable film adaptations of the Greyfriars Bobby story:

Books and films about Greyfriars Bobby have been a popular topic in media and pop culture. The 1902 historical account "The True Story of Greyfriars Bobby" by Henry T. Hutton was a pioneering work on the subject.

Greyfriars Bobby has been the subject of several novels and films over the years. The 1912 novel by Eleanor Atkinson embellished the story and made John Gray a shepherd, known as "Auld Jock".

Here are some notable books and films about Greyfriars Bobby:

These films and books have helped to cement Greyfriars Bobby's place in popular culture. The 1961 Disney film, for example, was well-received by critics and audiences alike.

Bobby the Celebrity was known to leave his post at the graveyard every day at one o'clock to join William Dow for a walk to a local coffee shop.

This was a daily ritual that became a sensation in Edinburgh, with crowds gathering outside the graveyard to catch a glimpse of Bobby. The coffee shop, Traill’s Temperance Coffee House, was a popular spot for Bobby and his owner John, who would often be given treats by the owner, John Traill.

Bobby's loyalty and charm earned him a special place in the hearts of the locals, who would eagerly await his daily appearance.

In 1867, the Edinburgh Council passed a by-law requiring all dogs to have a licence and a collar.

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Sir William Chalmers, paid for Bobby's licence and received a special collar with the inscription "Greyfriar's Bobby from the Lord Provost 1867 Licensed".

You can see Bobby's collar and drinking bowl at the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile.