"In 1858, a man named John Gray was buried in old Greyfriars Churchyard. His grave levelled by the hand of time, and unmarked by any stone, became scarcely discernible; but, although no human interest seemed to attach to it.
The sacred spot was not wholly disregarded or forgotten. For fourteen years the dead man's faithful dog kept constant watch and guard over the grave until his own death in 1872.
The famous Skye Terrier, Greyfriars Bobby was so devoted to his master John Gray, even in death, for fourteen years Bobby lay on the grave only leaving for food.
It is reported that a daily occurance of people from all walks of life would stand at the entrance of the Kirkyard waiting for the one o'clock gun and the appearance of Bobby leaving the grave for his midday meal.
Baroness Angelia Georgina Burdett-Coutts - in 1870 she was made President of the Ladies Committe of the RSPCA. During 1871 she visited Edinburgh on several occasions to see Bobby, she had been deeply moved by his story. The Baroness asked the City Council for permission to erect a granite fountain with a statue of Bobby placed on top. To be sited on the pavement near the Kirkyard as a lasting memory of the little Skye Terrier Bobby upon his death.
William Brody - sculptured the statue from life, and it was unveiled without ceremony November 1873 after the death of Bobby.
John Grays headstone - The American Lovers of Bobby erected a Red Granite stone to mark John Gray's grave, the inscription reads "John Gray - died 1858 - Auld Jock - Master of Grayfriars Bobby - Even in his ashes most beloved"
Bobby's headstone - The Red Granite stone erected by The Dog Aid Society of Scotland the inscription reads "Greyfriars Bobby - died 14th January 1872 - aged 16 years - Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all - Unveild by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester CCVO - on the 13th May 1981"'
statue of Greyfriars Bobby on George IV Bridge right across from Greyfriar's Kirkyard
Greyfriar Bobby's tombstone
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