Three Unmissable Sights In The Kirkyard

“Bluidy” Mackenzie’s Mausoleum Greyfriars is said to be one of the most haunted places in Britain due to George “Bluidy” Mackenzie. Lord Advocate of Scotland in the 17th century, Mackenzie brutally persecuted, imprisoned and tortured the Covenanters in the kirkyard’s open-air prison. Mackenzie’s mausoleum has become known as the Black Mausoleum, and there have been numerous reports of a violent poltergeist shoving and scratching visitors, who often experience an overwhelming sense of dread when near it.

Symbols in Stone Numerous motifs occur throughout the kirkyard. Keep your eyes out for the Green Man, a humanoid face evoking cycles of life, death, and renewal. He often has leaves or vines growing from his ears and nostrils, and animal-like features such as whiskers and fangs. Crossbones galore and lifelike skeletons adorn many graves, reminders of the universal experience of death. Other popular motifs include Celtic crosses, vases and urns, sea shells, scrolls, and the shovels of the gravediggers.

Graves of John Gray and James Brown Of all the history-makers interred at Greyfriars, the kirkyard is probably most famous due to Bobby the dog. Naturally, a visit to the grave of his owner, John Gray, is in order. John, also known as Auld Jock Gray, is laid beside James Brown, caretaker of the kirkyard at the time when Bobby was holding his vigil. Many insist that Bobby himself is buried nearby, and a memorial stone has been erected, though no precise location has ever been identified.