Bobby

Another wander round the city centre today. It's been ages since I photographed this monument. In fact the last time I tried I was as pished as a fart rather merry having frequenting Greyfriars Bar, behind.

The traditional telling of Greyfriar's Bobby is that the Skye terrier belonged to Edinburgh City Police night watchman, John Gray. They served together for two years, patrolling a beat that included the Upper Cowgate, the Grassmarket and Greyfriars Kirkyard, before Gray's death of tuberculosis on 8th February 1858. Bobby is said to have faithfully stayed by his master's grave for 14 years before his own death in 1872. He couldn't be buried in the cemetery itself, but was laid to rest just inside the gate of Grayfriers Kirkyard, not far from John Gray's grave.

More recently it has been suggested that Bobby as a graveyard dog, strays that were fed by visitors to the extent that the made the graveyard their home. It is believed that curator James Brown became so fond of Bobby that he fed him to keep him around. Visitors believed that the dog was loyally staying by his master's side, provided Brown with tips to hear the dog's story. According to an article that appeared in the Scotsman at the time, visitors to the graveyard increased 100-fold and people travelled as far afield as England to visit the loyal terrier. Due to the lucrative situation Brown and the local community found themselves in, it is believed that the original Bobby was replaced by another dog after his death in 1867. Even at the time, there were those who found Bobby's longevity (18 years for breed that typically lives for 10-12 years) suspiscious. However, the romantic legend of Bobby has become so ingrained and beloved that revisionism has been largely overlooked.

The memorial fountain to Bobby was erected in 1873, a commission of local aristocrat, Baroness Burdett-Coutts. The inscription reads:

"A tribute to the affectionate fidelity of Greyfriars Bobby. In 1858 this faithful dog followed the remains of his master to Greyfriars Churchyard and lingered near the spot until his death in 1872, with permission erected by Baroness Burdett-Coutts."

Almost the start of a new week. Hope it's a good 'un for everyone!