Greyfriars Bobby

Category

Library Item

Item no

12565

Title

Greyfriars Bobby

Description

The statue of Greyfriars Bobby has been wrapped up against the cold in a woolly hat and striped scarf.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1999

Size

30.3 x 20.4 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

One of Edinburgh's best-loved stories is the legend of the devotion and loyalty of Greyfriars Bobby. The origins the Skye Terrier are shrouded in mystery. It is likely he was owned by John Gray, an Edinburgh Police Constable, who died in February 1858 and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. According to legend, Bobby sat devotedly by his grave for 14 years.

It is however well documented that Bobby became a familiar figure around Greyfriars Kirkyard, where he was fed and given shelter by local residents. Sergeant Scott of the Royal Engineers trained Bobby to associate the One o'Clock gun with his dinner time and from 1862 his appearances at Traill's Restaurant rooms at 6 Greyfriars Place became a daily spectacle.

In 1867 a new duty on dogs was introduced, putting Bobby in danger as he had no legal owner. By now his story had reached important public figures and the Lord Provost, William Chambers, paid the licence fee and gave Bobby an inscribed collar. Bobby died in 1872 and a year later a memorial, commissioned by Baroness Burdett-Coutts, was unveiled.

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Related subjects

Animals > Mammals > Dogs

Architecture > Monuments > Memorial monuments

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Scarves

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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