Greyfriars Kirkyard, a cemetery located in Edinburgh, was established by Mary, Queen of Scots in 1562. It remains open and is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. It is also home to more than 500 recorded poltergeist sightings, making it the most haunted graveyard in all of Scotland.
No one knows how many are buried here. Due to poverty, many could not afford a casket.
Because of this, people are buried in mass graves just an arm’s length below
the topsoil. While there is no knowledge of how many are buried here, as of
1900, the estimate was 100,000 people, many of whom died of illness
One of the most famous ghosts of the graveyard is Sir George
Mackenzie. He is known for summary executions before a trial took place. It is
said that his ghost scours the graveyard looking for Covenanters. His mausoleum
is locked up to prevent vandalism, but people can visit them briefly on official
tours of the cemetery. His grave has decayed, which is due to neglect done in
respect to Mackenzie’s victims.
The first reporting of paranormal activity at the graveyard
was not until the 20th century. A violent yet unseen spirit
manifested itself after someone broke into Mackenzie’s mausoleum. This spirit
has been known to push and scratch cemetery guests as well as cause bruises,
burns, and broken fingers. The ghost has also followed people home to continue
attacking them.
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye terrier, belonged to John Gray, a nightwatchman
in Edinburgh’s police force. Bobby joined Gray on his patrols, and the duo
became a well-known sight on Edinburgh’s streets. When Gray died of
tuberculosis in 1858, Bobby stood guard over his tomb for 14 years. He was cared
for by locals and he became known as Edinburgh’s best friend. Bobby went on to be
the subject of a hit Disney movie in 1961 called “Greyfriars Bobby.”
To this day, people still come visit this graveyard in massive
numbers. Many come to see the graves that inspired some of the people and
places in the “Harry Potter” series, including Voldemort himself, Thomas
Riddell.
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