Greyfriars Kirk

Greyfriars Kirk, set in its famous and atmospheric kirkyard, was the first ecclesiastical building in Edinburgh following the Scottish Reformation of 1560, and is still remarkable for the impressive simplicity of its architecture. During a rich and turbulent history, now described and illustrated in the museum within the kirk, the building saw the signing of the National Covenant in 1638; was partially destroyed in an explosion and then rebuilt for two separate congregations; and today serves as both an active Church of Scotland community and a popular venue for artistic and educational events. This lavishly illustrated short guide outlines the story of both kirk and kirkyard, including perhaps its most famous memorial, to Greyfriars Bobby.