Tomb of John Cunninghame, Greyfriars

Category

Library Item

Item no

3570

Title

Tomb of John Cunninghame, Greyfriars

Description

An image of tombs in Greyfriars Churchyard, Edinburgh. One tomb has stone carvings and columns. Other gravestones are nearby, those on the wall have foliage growing over them. In the background is Heriots Hospital.

Artist / maker

Keith, Thomas

Date

1856

Size

21.8 x 27.8 cm

Type

Paper negative

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Greyfriars Kirkyard, or Graveyard, is the burial ground of Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh. It houses the graves of many notable historical figures including the poet Allan Ramsay, the geologist James Hutton and the architect William Adam. In 1679 several hundred Covenanters were imprisoned in the Kirkyard awaiting trial.

George Heriot was a famous and wealthy Edinburgh goldsmith and moneylender. When he died in 1624 he left a considerable sum of money to establish a school for the poor and parentless in Edinburgh. Construction of George Heriot's Hospital began in 1628 but was not finished until 1650. It was almost immediately appropriated by Cromwell for use as a military hospital. It resumed its role as a school and home for orphans in 1659. It later came to be known as George Heriot's School, and now operates as an independent mixed school.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Columns

Architecture > Architectural features > Stone carvings

Architecture > Monuments > Gravestones

Education > Educational facilities > Schools

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Tollcross

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Graveyards

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.