EDINBURGH, Scotland — In the mid-19th century, Edinburgh’s Greyfriars district witnessed a remarkable story of loyalty and devotion that has since become legendary.
According to the legend, John Gray, a gardener by trade, arrived in the city around 1850 with his wife, Jess, and son, John. Unable to find work in his field, Gray joined the Edinburgh Police Force as a constable, Number 90, serving as a night watchman.
Gray acquired a Skye Terrier named Bobby in 1856. Bobby quickly became his inseparable companion.
The pair was often seen patrolling the streets together, sharing meals, and becoming a familiar sight in the community. Their bond was evident to all who saw them.
Tragedy struck early in 1858 when Gray fell ill with tuberculosis. Despite treatment from Police Surgeon Dr. Littlejohn, Gray succumbed to the disease within weeks on Feb. 15, 1858, and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Ever faithful, Bobby walked in the funeral procession and was at the burial.
In a display of unwavering loyalty, Bobby remained at his master’s grave. Despite efforts by Gray’s family and the kirkyard caretaker to coax him away, Bobby maintained his vigil at the grave for the next 14 years.
In 1867, a new law required dogs in the city to be licensed, or they would be destroyed. Sir William Chambers, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, paid Bobby’s license fee and gave him a collar with a brass inscription reading, “Greyfriars Bobby from the Lord Provost 1867 licensed”.
The Edinburgh townsfolk cared for Greyfriars Bobby, who died on Jan. 14, 1872. His death made headlines across the country and in faraway places like New Zealand.
A necropsy by Professor Thomas Walley of the Edinburgh Veterinary College determined that he had died from cancer of the jaw.
A year after Greyfriars Bobby’s death, Lady Burdett-Coutts, an English philanthropist, had a drinking fountain topped with Bobby’s statue erected at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row to commemorate him. The statue, created by sculptor William Brodie, stands opposite the entrance to the churchyard.
The Dog Aid Society of Scotland erected a headstone for Greyfriars Bobby, which the Duke of Gloucester unveiled on May 13, 1981. It reads, “Greyfriars Bobby – Died 14 January 1872 – Aged 16 years – Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.”
Some have questioned aspects of the story, including Bobby’s breed. At least one source has suggested he was a dandie dinmont terrier.
But no matter the breed, Bobby’s story remains beloved by Scots and thousands of travelers who visit his monument every year.
