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Greyfriars Bobby

from Tales of Auld Reekie by Dancing with Ghosts

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about

The years on the streets appear to have taken their toll on John, as he was treated by the Police Surgeon for tuberculosis.

John eventually died of the disease on the 15th February 1858 and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby soon touched the hearts of the local residents when he refused to leave his master’s grave, even in the worst weather conditions.

The gardener and keeper of Greyfriars tried on many occasions to evict Bobby from the Kirkyard. In the end he gave up and provided a shelter for Bobby by placing sacking beneath two tablestones at the side of John Gray’s grave.

Bobby’s fame spread throughout Edinburgh. It is reported that almost on a daily basis the crowds would gather at the entrance of the Kirkyard waiting for the one o’clock gun that would signal the appearance of Bobby leaving the grave for his midday meal.

Bobby would follow William Dow, a local joiner and cabinet maker to the same Coffee House that he had frequented with his now dead master, where he was given a meal.

In 1867 a new bye-law was passed that required all dogs to be licensed in the city or they would be destroyed. Sir William Chambers (The Lord Provost of Edinburgh) decided to pay Bobby’s licence and presented him with a collar with a brass inscription “Greyfriars Bobby from the Lord Provost 1867 licensed”. This can be seen at the Museum of Edinburgh.

There was also some indication that there has probably been more than one Bobby and that certain entrepreneurial scots kept the legend alive.

lyrics

Bobby Karl Robins & Andy Waterhouse


In a town far away from the isle whence he came
The faithful companion steadfastly remained
By the grave of his master, or so it is said
A best friend in life, never parted by death

Chorus: The headstone of John Gray was where he'd be found
'tween the wreaths and the flowers that littered the ground
Whatever the weather he'd maintain his guard
The one known as Bobby from Greyfriar's Kirkyard


Families would visit and all pay their respects
To loved ones who'd perished, take time to reflect
And then seek out Bobby with the food that they'd bring
A banquet was offered, a meal fit for a king

Chorus


His licence was purchased by the Provost who paid
For a collar to show he belonged, not a stray
And people would travel for miles just to see
The dog by his master in true company

Chorus


At the age of 16 Bobby too passed away
A statue was built there to show that all cared
Constructed by Brodie with fountains regaled
So that both man and dog might enjoy Adam’s ale

Chorus


Now some say this story just cannot be true
Though we speak of one Bobby, perhaps there were two
There was talk of the town telling little white lies
So the crowds still had Bobby with those large sad brown eyes

Chorus


The one known as Bobby from Greyfriar'sKirkyard

credits

from Tales of Auld Reekie, released September 14, 2017
Sheree Hemingway vocal
Karl Robins Guitars and Vocals
Andy Waterhouse Vocals
Gary Hetherington Instrumentation

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Dancing with Ghosts Berwick Upon Tweed, UK

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