Episode 88 – Exploring Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard with Charlotte Golledge

Episode 88 – Show Notes

Exploring Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard with Charlotte Golledge

Key Topics covered in this episode include:

• Charlotte Golledge and Greyfriars Kirkyard
  • Charlotte’s role as a private driver tour guide with Edinburgh Black Cab Tours
  • Charlotte’s interest in Greyfriars Kirkyard and her 19 years of work there
  • Charlotte’s specialization in death history and 18th-century funeral practices
  • Charlotte’s academic background and research on Greyfriars Kirkyard
• History and Significance of Greyfriars Kirkyard
  • The gift of Greyfriars Kirkyard by Mary, Queen of Scots to the people of Edinburgh
  • The history of Greyfriars Kirkyard as a solution to overcrowding in the main burial ground at Saint Giles
  • Presbyterian Grave Symbology and Funeral Practices
  • Charlotte’s study and documentation of grave symbology in Presbyterian graveyards
  • Details about 18th-century funeral practices and Presbyterian beliefs regarding the afterlife
  • Poor people’s burial practices within Greyfriars Kirkyard and the lack of markers for their graves
  • The lie wake tradition and the role of mourners in funeral ceremonies
• Body Snatching and Anatomy Schools
  • The necessity for bodies for medical studies and the lack of legal bodies in Scotland
  • The practices of body snatching in Scotland, including the involvement of watchmen and the actions of Burke and Hare
  • Precautions taken to protect bodies, such as using mort safes and building bars around graves
  • The impact of body snatching on the advancement of medical studies in Scotland
• Greyfriars Bobby and Harry Potter
  • The potential inspiration for character names in the Harry Potter series from real people buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard
• Conclusion
  • Recommendation to visit Greyfriars and the Royal Mile to experience the history of Edinburgh
  • The promotion of Charlotte Golledge’s book “Greyfriars Graveyard” and her role as chair of the Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard