BENCHMARKS continued
Michael
Byrne gives a stern warning about this one in Edinburgh “Be
afraid....very afraid. This is the most haunted Benchmark in the
whole of Scotland, having the misfortune of being cut into the wall
of Greyfriars Kirk, Candlemakers Row, Edinburgh. The ghostly tales of
the surrounding Kirkyard are legendary. Founded in 1561 "Because
it is thought beneficial that there should be no more burials within
the church (St.Giles), and because that kirkyard is not thought to
have sufficient room for burying the dead, and taking into
consideration the smell and inconvenience in the heat of Summer, it
would be provided (by the council) that a burial place be made
further from the middle of town, such as in Greyfriars yard, and the
same built up and made secure".
Below:
A 'mark on Greyfriars
Kirk, Candlemakers Row, Edinburgh.
Above:
Looking from the 'mark on the wall of Greyfriars Kirk towards the
entrance gates. (That newish round top headstone in front of the
little lodge marks the burial spot of Greyfriars Bobby - another
story.)
