Greyfriars Tour with Historic Edinburgh Tours

Tonight's guided tour with Robert of Historic Edinburgh Tours was of the Greyfriar Kirkyard. This is not a ghosty tour, it is an historic tour that helps us better understand the importance of the Kirk, the Graveyard and the people interred within. 

I love the fall tours as we get the added benefit of the projector! This most definitely brings the stories to life.

Day Two - Research and R&R

Today we were at the National Library of Scotland. We started our time there with a very thorough overview of the sorts of records that contain genealogical information, given by Elaine Brown. In addition to sharing the resources available at the NLS, Elaine showed us how much information is available on the NLS website so that we can continue our research at home. 

This evening, the group enjoyed their time with the very talented Robert of Historic Edinburgh Tours who led them on a guided tour of Edinburgh's Victorian Slums. 

This is a particularly enlightening tour for those of us who are studying our family histories. And took a personal turn for those tour participants who have Edinburgh ancestors. 

Historic Edinburgh Tour of Victorian Slums of Edinburgh

Robert led us on another brilliant tour of Old Edinburgh last night, this time focusing on the slum areas of the old town.

We started with an overview of poverty while standing in the Kirkyard of Greyfriar's

Then we walked over to the next alley where we were introduced to Edinburgh's Poor House

From the Poorhouse, we walked to the Vennel to see the Telfer Wall. On the way, we heard about the Royal Infirmary, cholera outbreaks and diseases of the poor. 

From the Vennel we came to Grassmarket and learned about different forms of lodging. All agreed we did not want the 2p option of hanging over a rope to sleep (sometimes referred to as a "four penny coffin". )

From Grassmarket we were off to the Cowgate - one of the poorest parts of Old Edinburgh

The lives of our ancestors were difficult times. Poverty was rampant in Scotland and for many their daily existence was centered around survival and making enough to be able to eat and cover their shelter costs. We really do need to be grateful to them for the stamina, the fortitude and their amazing courage. For without that, none of us would be here today. 

Thank you, Robert and Historic Edinburgh Tours for another incredibly informative tour. 

Historic Edinburgh Tours

The past two nights have been spent in the wonderful company of Robert from Historic Edinburgh Tours. 

Wednesday night started with a slight drizzle which quickly turned to a downpour. Although it let up after about an hour, it was still a damp night. The tour was an historic tour of Greyfriar's Cemetery and the rainy, gloomy night added atmosphere to the tour. 

Thursday night was the Old Town Tour. Thanks to the onset of fall and the drawing in of the nights, we were able to experience the projector during the tour. The tour provided an up-close and personal tour of Edinburgh's (and indeed, Scotland's) history. Standing in the very place where the events occurred brought the entire drama to life.

 

As always, Robert was engaging, entertaining and exceptionally knowledgeable. 

Historic Edinburgh Tours - Greyfriar's Graveyard

On Wednesday night, we went on an optional evening tour with Historic Edinburgh Tours. These guys are fantastic and really make history come alive. We learned about graveyards, Edinburgh's past and Scotland's history. 

 

If you are in Edinburgh and looking for something a little less "touristy" to do I highly recommend a tour with Historic Edinburgh Tours. You won't be disappointed. The tour of the graveyard is not a ghost tour. It is an historical tour and really gives insight into the lives and times of the people who are buried in the graveyard. 

Historic Edinburgh Resurrectionist Tour of Greyfriars Kirkyard

On Wednesday night, we enjoyed a fantastic guided tour of Greyfriars Kirkyard. The tour is run by Historic Edinburgh Tours. Our guide for the Resurrection Tour was Robert. And it was terrific!

 The tour is called the Resurrectionist Tour, not because they dig up bodies, but because the guides resurrect the stories of some of the more interesting characters whose bodies are buried in Greyfriars.

We learned about cemetery symbolism

 These are all symbols of death

Note the ring in the middle of the stone. This is the memorial for George Heriot, a jeweller

We also learned about the importance of Greyfriars in terms of Scottish history and it being the place where the National Covenant was signed. There is a Martyrs Monument dedicated to those who perished for their beliefs

 

 

We peered into a couple of mausoleums

 

 

 

Including the mausoleum for the infamous McKenzie Poltergiest

 

 

 

 

We learned about different forms of torture including thumb screws

 

 

And we learned about body snatchers and mortsafes

 

 

 

In spite of the cold, it was a very enjoyable, very informative tour of old Greyfriars and I look forward to bringing another group next year. Thank you, Robert & Paul and Historic Edinburgh Tours!