Bobby, the most beloved dog in Edinburgh

Edinburgh It is a city full of stories. There is one that occupies a very special place in the hearts of its inhabitants. It reflects the purest and most unconditional loyalty and friendship. It is the story of Bobby of Greyfriars, a dog that inspired Disney books and movies.

Join me to discover why he is so loved and even has his own sculpture in Edinburgh.

Who was Bobby?

Bobby was a Skye Terrier dog who lived in Edinburgh at the end of the 19th century. He belonged to a farmer named John Gray. John also worked as a night watchman for the city. This included Greyfriars Cemetery.

The dog and his master were inseparable friends and patrolled the streets together for 2 years.

What is the story of Bobby Greyfriars?

John Grey, Bobby's owner, died in 1854 and was buried in Greyfriars churchyard.

Bobby stayed by his human's grave and only stepped aside to eat. He made the same route that they did together every day

The owners of the bar where they spent every afternoon continued to receive visits from the puppy.

No one managed to separate Bobby from his master's grave. That is why the inhabitants of the city took care of him and fed him. They built a shelter near John Gray's grave.

Bobby was very close to death in the year 1864. By this time he was already famous for his history and much loved by the inhabitants of the city.

In this year a law was created that ordered the registration of all dogs. Its purpose was to reduce the large number of stray dogs that inhabited the city. Bobby was a stray dog ​​and had no owner on record.

The mayor of Edinburgh, Sir William Chambers, knowing the story, took pity on him. He bought Bobby's license and gave him a necklace. On the plaque it says “Greyfriars Bobby from the Lord Provost – 1867 – Licensed”. So Bobby was able to avoid being sacrificed and remained firm next to the grave of John Grey, his great friend.

In the year 1862 Bobby died and his remains rest near the door of Greyfriars Kirkyard chapel. Place surrounded by the Greyfriars cemetery, near the grave of his master, John Grey.

Bobby's memory

There are many areas in Edinburgh where you can see memorabilia about the city's most beloved dog.

You can also make a Edinburgh Free Tour to learn more about the story of this puppy.

Greyfriars Bobby's Headstone

Bobby has earned a place in the hearts of the people of Edinburgh. They placed a red granite tombstone on his grave.

In it he says: "Greyfriars Bobby - May your loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all." Many visitors leave sticks, toys and even flowers here as gifts for the faithful dog.

Greyfriars Cemetery

For many people, the cemetery is primarily associated with Greyfriars Bobby, the faithful dog that guarded his master's grave. But it is also full of amazing stories, legends and inspiration from famous literary works.

How to visit the Greyfriars Cemetery?

He Greyfriars Cemetery, is located at 26A Candlemaker Row. It is open every day 24 hours. Entrance is free! I recommend you take a guided tour to see it and know all the stories that will surely catch you!

Bobby of Greyfriars sculpture

A year after his death, in 1863, they placed a sculpture created by William Brodie. It was commissioned by Baroness Burdett-Coutts in her memory.

It is a bronze sculpture with a polished granite fountain. Initially it was a double fountain, with a drinking fountain for people and, below, a drinking fountain for dogs.

Unfortunately, years later, the drinking fountains were closed. Even so, the monument remains in the same place in front of the Greyfriars Bobby's Bar.

The sculpture of Bobby de Greyfriars It is the most photographed in the city of Edinburgh. Visitors are asked not to touch the muzzle, to avoid wear in the area.

The belief of touching its snout for luck is false. So please Don't touch Bobby's nose!

Where is the Bobby de Greyfriars sculpture located?

The sculpture of Bobby de Greyfriars It is located in Greyfriars opposite the National Museum of Scotland and a few steps from the George IV Bridge.

edinburgh museum

Her necklace, with the bronze plaque made by the mayor who saved her life, is currently on display at the National Museum of Scotland. Along with the necklace, is the plate where the inhabitants of the city fed it.

Honorific mention

Bobby was also awarded the Freedom of the City honorary award. He acknowledges the respect and high regard that the people of Edinburgh hold for him.

His story in the movies

Some of the movies where you can see his story reflected are:

• Greyfriars Bobby1961, directed by Don Chaffey
• Bobby the graveyard keeper 2005, directed by John Henderson.

Bobby, the most beloved puppy in Edinburgh that you have to visit if you come to the city because it is one of the best and most tender activities you can do.

Take all the photos of his famous sculpture, but please avoid touching his snout, (not lucky) and so we better preserve it.

Walk around the beautiful cemetery that looks like a garden and just enjoy the walk. His story is one of the most moving. Bobby Greyfriarsthe faithful dog of Edinburgh.

Arol

I am a traveler, photographer and writer, I like getting lost in cities, traveling to strange places and above all meeting interesting people.