This cache is located in the graveyard of Greyfriars Kirk, where
John Gray known as Auld Jock and his faithful dog Bobby are
buried.
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 and forgotten. For
fourteen years the dead man's faithful dog kept constant watch and
guard over the grave until his own death in 1872. James Brown, the
old curator of the burial ground, remembers Gray's funeral, and the
dog, a Skye terrier called "Bobby", was, he says, one of the most
conspicuous of the mourners. The grave was closed in as usual, and
next morning "Bobby", was found, lying on the newly-made mound.
This was an innovation which old James could not permit, for
there was an order at the gate stating in the most intelligible
characters that dogs were not admitted. "Bobby" was accordingly
driven out; but next morning he was there again, and for the second
time was discharged. The third morning was cold and wet, and when
the old man saw the faithful animal, in spite of all chastisement,
still lying shivering on the grave, he took pity on him, and gave
him some food. This recognition of his devotion gave "Bobby" the
right to make the churchyard his home; and from that time until his
own death he never spent a night away from his master's tomb.
Often in bad weather attempts were made to keep him within
doors, but by dismal howls he succeeded in making it known that
this interference was not agreeable to him, and he was always
allowed to have his way. At almost any time during the day he could
be seen in or about the churchyard, and no matter how rough the
night, nothing could induce him to forsake that hallowed spot,
whose identity he so faithfully preserved.
That, however, concludes the story of the life of Greyfriars'
Bobby, a life which was later commemorated by the erection of the
statue and fountain by Baroness Burdett Coutts. The figure which
was unveiled, without any ceremony, on November 15, 1873.
You can find the statue of Bobby at the following co-ords N55°
56.810 W003° 11.462. Bobby’s grave is at N55° 56.803 W003°
11.501, and Auld Jock’s grave can be found at N55° 56.828
W003° 11.536.
This graveyard is best visited during the day when tourists
frequent it, as at night its visitors can be slightly on the
unfriendly side.
Note: Muggle central, caution will have to be exercised on
retrieving and replacing the cache. The cache has grown in size,
since first placed. The hiding location is a tight squeeze, please
ensure you put it back in the same place and well out of
sight.
This is also a frequently visited cache, please use both sides of
paper in the logbook. Thank you.
