Heriot's Hospital from Greyfriars' Churchyard

Category

Library Item

Item no

670

Title

Heriot's Hospital from Greyfriars' Churchyard

Description

Greyfriars Kirkyard has gravestones and crypts. There are several figures in the Kirkyard, one of whom is climbing some steps. A wall separates the Kirkyard from the imposing ornate structure of Heriot's Hospital.

Artist / maker

Skene, James

Date

1817

Size

15 x 20 cm.

Type

Watercolour

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

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.

Greyfriars Kirkyard is the burial ground of Greyfriars Kirk, which takes its name from the Franciscan monastery founded here in 1447. It houses the graves of many notable historical figures including the poet Allan Ramsay, the geologist James Hutton and the architect William Adam.

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Related subjects

Education > Educational facilities > Schools

Healthcare and welfare > Healthcare and welfare facilities > Hospitals

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Churchyards

Religion > Religious facilities > Graveyards

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