November 15th, 1873
Greyfriars Bobby (4 May 1855 – 14 January 1872) was a Skye Terrier or Dandie Dinmont Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died on 14 January 1872. The story continues to be well known in Scotland, through several books and films.
The best-known version of the story is that Bobby belonged to John Gray, who worked for the Edinburgh City Police as a nightwatchman.
When John Gray died he was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, the kirkyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk in the Old Town of Edinburgh. After John Gray’s death in 1858, Bobby reportedly spent the next 14 years guarding his owner’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard until his own death in 1872.
A statue honoring Greyfriars Bobby was unveiled in Edinburgh. The statue is located near the entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard, not far from John Gray’s grave. The unveiling took place on November 15, 1873, and the event was attended by a crowd of people who wished to pay tribute to the faithful dog. This prominent commemorative statue and nearby graves are a popular tourist attraction.
The statue depicts Greyfriars Bobby standing on a granite pedestal, and it has become a popular and enduring symbol of loyalty and devotion. Visitors to Edinburgh often seek out the statue and the grave of John Gray, contributing to the legacy of Greyfriars Bobby’s remarkable story.
